Assistant State Director, Mississippi Small Business Development Center; Adjunct Instructor of Management
Biography
Derek Stephens is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in business counseling, finance, market research analysis, and academic instruction. Currently serving as the Assistant State Director at the Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Derek is responsible for leading marketing and special projects that promote the center’s services to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the state. Prior to his current role, Derek spent several years at the Mississippi SBDC as a Business Counselor, helping clients develop and execute business plans, secure financing, and navigate regulatory compliance. In 2020, he was promoted to Market Research Specialist, where he provided critical market analysis to clients across Mississippi, helping them identify opportunities and mitigate risks in their respective industries. In addition to his work at the SBDC, Derek is also an Adjunct Instructor of Management, where he shares his expertise in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership with the next generation of business leaders. In 2022, Derek received his MBA from the University of Mississippi with top honors, earning membership in the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Derek was also selected as Mississippi SBDC’s State Star in 2022, an honor that recognizes exemplary performance and dedication to the organization’s mission.
Education
B.A. Banking & Finance, The University of Mississippi (2012)
M.B.A. Business Administration, The University of Mississippi (2022)