Intro by King Musa
“Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It’s your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today we’re diving into the legal side of higher education with a focus on governance and university operations.
Joining us is Damon Derrick, Vice President and General Counsel at Stephen F. Austin State University. Damon oversees the legal matters of the university, ensuring it operates within the bounds of the law while fostering a supportive environment for students and faculty. Let’s dive into his journey and the unique responsibilities of his role. Welcome, Damon!”
Getting to Know Damon Derrick
King Musa: “Welcome, Damon! Can you introduce yourself and share what you do at SFA?”
Damon Derrick: “Thanks for having me, King Musa. I’m Damon Derrick, Vice President and General Counsel at SFA. I’ve been here for 16 years and my job is essentially to keep us out of legal trouble. I focus on minimizing potential legal issues while helping the university achieve its goals in a legally responsible way.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “Where are you from, and what inspired your career in higher ed law?”
Damon: “I’m from Mauriceville, Texas, near Beaumont. My journey into law began at Lamar University, where I met my wife. I later attended law school at Ole Miss, where I became interested in university legal operations after learning about the role of general counsel. That interest led me here to SFA, where I’ve been fortunate to grow and contribute.”
KM: “When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies and interests?”
Damon: “I have three young kids—ages five, four, and two—so they are my hobbies right now. Before having kids, my wife and I loved global travel, visiting places off the beaten path. These days, we enjoy attending SFA football, basketball, and volleyball games and immersing our kids in university life.”
Career Journey and Leadership
KM: “How did your career at SFA begin, and what has your experience been like?”
Damon: “I started as a staff attorney and was promoted to interim general counsel after my predecessor left. It was a trial by fire, but I built relationships and eventually landed the permanent position. Over the years, I’ve taken on multiple roles, including compliance officer, privacy officer, and real estate officer. It’s been an eventful and fulfilling journey.”
KM: “What is your leadership style, and how do you use it in your position?”
Damon: “I’m very collaborative. I avoid unnecessary confrontation and focus on helping university leaders achieve their vision in a way that minimizes risk. My goal is to support the chairs, deans, provost, and president in making legally sound decisions while keeping our students’ best interests at the forefront.”
Navigating Legal Challenges in Higher Education
KM: “What challenges do you face as general counsel?”
Damon:
• Regulation Overload: “Higher education is highly regulated, so legal issues arise constantly. Universities are like small cities with diverse responsibilities—housing, dining, utilities, and more.”
• Resource Management: “We face challenges in balancing risk with action. While we can’t eliminate all risk, we ensure we’re comfortable with the risks we take to move the university forward.”
• Day-to-Day Variety: “No two days are the same. One day I’m handling contracts; the next, I’m addressing wild hogs tearing up our gardens or meeting with community colleges to build partnerships.”
Advice for Aspiring Lawyers
KM: “What advice do you have for students considering a career in law?”
Damon:
1. Know Your Why: “Understand why you want to pursue law. If it’s just for money, there are easier and more fulfilling careers out there.”
2. Choose the Right School: “Find a law school that fits your needs and interests, not just its ranking. Your experience will be shaped by the school’s culture.”
3. Be Flexible: “Your interests may change during law school. Stay open-minded to new areas of law.”
4. Evaluate the Payoff: “Weigh the cost of law school against your career goals. It’s an investment that should align with your aspirations.”
Outro by King Musa
“Thank you, Damon, for sharing your journey and insights. It’s enlightening to learn about the legal side of university operations and the critical role you play in supporting the SFA community.
To our listeners, remember: Success starts with knowledge and preparation. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we decode success and help you achieve your goals. This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay informed, stay legal, and keep telling your story. Peace!”
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