Derisa Collymore

Derisa Collymore (she/her) is the Director of the Anderson Freeman Resource Center. She provides strategic vision, supports campus equity and inclusion initiatives, serves as an advocate for underrepresented students, and organizes opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to form a community over shared identities. Derisa is a first-generation Caribbean American from New York City whose experiences in that diverse space first started her dedication to creating inclusive communities. Promoting community spirit, personal connections, mentorship, mutual learning, and collective support are at the core of her leadership style.

Derisa is also a first-generation student who earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Brenau University, a Master of Science in Administrative Leadership for Higher Education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and is currently working on a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with an emphasis on institutional effectiveness from North Dakota State University. Her work and research centers on enhancing higher education environments to foster a better sense of belonging for individuals from historically marginalized groups, and transforming practical approaches to BIPOC student support. Derisa’s other professional interests include bridging the K-12 to college gap for first-generation and low-income students, first-generation parent education and support, curriculum-based intercultural learning models, and immersive programming experiences. 

Outside of work, Derisa enjoys cooking and creating new recipes, creative writing, biking around her neighborhood, and finding new simple trails to walk and be outdoors. Derisa also serves as treasurer on the board of The Teen Center located here in Middlebury.