Derrick Huggins

Derrick Huggins feels blessed. He has a job with a stable future. But there is more to it than just having a job. Derrick has a job that he loves in the community where he grew up. He teaches physical education at Rosman Elementary and coaches football and baseball at his alma mater Rosman High School.

But when Derrick graduated from high school in 2003, he did not have a game plan. He knew he wanted to go to college but was undecided about a career choice or which college to attend. He had a part-time lawn business that he needed to keep going in order to pay for college, so going away to college did not seem like a viable option. Derrick discovered that Blue Ridge Community College would be the best transition for him from high school to a four year university. Derrick spent two years at Blue Ridge and ultimately received a bachelor's degree from nearby Western Carolina University in 2007.

"I still tell people about the great faculty at Blue Ridge Community College," says Derrick. "The small class size gave me a better chance to be successful."

Derrick is an enthusiastic ambassador for Blue Ridge Community College. He encourages his athletes to consider Blue Ridge Community College when exploring college. "I tell them to consider Blue Ridge Community College as their first choice."