Addison C. Dorris has been named the recipient of the 2024 Derryberry Award, Tennessee Tech University’s highest student honor.
A native of Portland, Tenn., Dorris recently earned a degree in marketing and human resource management.
“I chose to come to Tennessee Tech because I fell in love with the natural beauty of campus and also the people here,” said Dorris. “On my campus tour, I got to meet with the College of Business’s Student Success Center and felt right away that they saw me as an individual, not just another student. I felt true caring and saw that the people here at Tech want me to succeed and invest in myself.”
Dorris was named the recipient of the prestigious Derryberry Award for her scholastic attainment, moral and intellectual integrity, campus participation, good citizenship and leadership. She was presented with the award at the university’s recent Celebration of Excellence event in April.
Clay Wesley, adjunct instructor in the College of Business noted in Dorris’s nomination form that, “Addison is more than the ideal student leader, demonstrating outstanding servant leadership and maintaining a clear sense of purpose in her College of Business and Alpha Delta Pi positions. Within a few months of joining the College of Business, it became obvious that Addison would be a young professional one could build a team around.”
He also added, “Addison approaches her role within a team with the utmost respect. Her dedication to self-improvement is quite refreshing. In her time with the College of Business ambassador program, I learned two absolute truths about Addison: she is extremely passionate about her role in your organization and is always the first to volunteer to help a teammate.”
Dorris was a member of countless university groups and committees, including the Student Government Association, Alpha Delta Pi, College of Business Ambassador program, College of Business Peer Mentor program, Omicron Delta Kappa, Marketing Club and President’s Ambassador program. She also served as the Student Trustee on Tennessee Tech’s Board of Trustees.
Sherrie Howard Cannon, Associate Director for Professional Leadership and adjunct instructor in the College of Business, said, “Throughout her time at Tennessee Tech University, Addison has consistently demonstrated not only academic excellence but a strong sense of integrity and leadership. Her involvement in various campus activities showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on Tennessee Tech University, the Cookeville community and her peers. Whether volunteering, organizing events or advocating for important issues for her fellow students, Addison always goes above and beyond to contribute to the betterment of our campus.”
In her time here, Dorris said she had to get out of her comfort zone. She started her college experience during COVID and forced herself to be out there because she wasn’t getting to meet fellow students the traditional way during class. However, she would advise students that no one can do it all.
“The one thing I would tell incoming students is that it’s okay to say ‘no’ when you feel overcommitted,” explained Dorris. “During my time here at Tech, I would have liked to have been more involved in some of my faith-based organizations because that is important to me. I would tell people to grow their passion.”
After graduation, she plans to start her business career with the Dollar General Corporation in Goodlettsville, Tenn., as a field HR coordinator. Starting this summer, she also plans to pursue her MBA at Tennessee Tech and might someday consider coming back to work in higher education.
There were four other finalists for this year’s Derryberry Award, including Sierra Alexander, Riley Davis, Claire Myers and Yao Zhou.
The Derryberry Award was established in honor of Everett Derryberry, who served as Tech president for 34 years. He retired in 1974.
This prestigious award is presented to a graduating senior who has exhibited scholastic attainment arising out of moral and intellectual integrity; successful campus activity where participation indicates a commitment to good citizenship, interest in one’s fellow person, and instincts for leadership; and physical vigor as shown by fondness for and success in sports – all of which demonstrate potential for future service and effective leadership in American society.
For more information on the award and to see past winners, visit https://www.tntech.edu/president/derryberryaward.php.
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