Derek Francis, M.Ed.

Derek Francis is the Outreach Coordinator and advisor for TRIO Student Support Services, advising TRIO SSS students as well as working towards fostering community for our TRIO SSS students and staff.

Derek is a University of Maine alumnus (’11, ’14G) with a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Student Development in Higher Education and a B.A. in Journalism. Prior to coming to work for TRIO SSS in 2022, Derek was an admissions counselor for UMaine traveling to high schools and college fairs across the North East region of the U.S., specializing in indigenous student recruitment.

Previous to his work in Admissions, Derek fundraised for UMaine scholarships via the Annual Fund while also serving as Student Relations Coordinator for the Alumni Association in a dual role. As coordinator, Derek advised class councils on fundraising and helped students network with alumni professionals.

When Derek isn’t at work he is most likely spending time with his family (which often includes losing at the game ‘Sorry!’ regularly, usually to my middle schooler), reading, binging his favorite shows, or refereeing a professional wrestling event somewhere in New England.