Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Derrick Lathan (Dr. Dee) is no stranger to STAR. After working within STAR’s Prevention Team for several years, Derrick returned to serve as our Social Change Director. He has worked with many community partners to promote equity, empowerment, and anti-oppression throughout southeastern Louisiana and intends to continue finding new ways to build healthier communities.

Derrick a three-time alum of Louisiana State University (LSU). There, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and both his master’s and PhD in Sociology. His dissertation explores the intersectional experiences of black, first-generation students pursuing advanced degrees at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Derrick continues to combine research and advocacy with the Social Change team.

Aside from STAR, Derrick is a proud first-generation graduate that worked in education for over eight years with TRiO programs like Upward Bound and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. He has also taught courses in LSU’s African and African American History and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies departments. Derrick’s local and national affiliations include the 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and being an alumnus of the Memorial Foundation’s Social Justice Fellowship program.

Derrick plans to continue bridging education, community engagement, and thought leadership as the Social Change Director.