Nucum earns prestigious Derryberry Award
Kester M. Nucum with his 2023 Derryberry Award.
Kester M. Nucum has been named the recipient of the 2023 Derryberry Award, Tennessee
Tech University’s highest student honor.
A native of Paris, Tennessee, Nucum recently earned a degree in computer engineering
with minors in violin and honors.
“I chose to come to Tennessee Tech because it is the best engineering school in the
state and was the most affordable,” said Nucum. “There is also such a tremendous sense
of community on campus and in Cookeville. People here care so much. I came from a
rural, small town in west Tennessee, and that meant a lot to me. I didn’t want to
be siloed, so I got involved on campus quickly with lots of activities and clubs that
connected with my interests.”
Nucum was named the recipient of the prestigious Derryberry Award for his scholastic
attainment, moral and intellectual integrity, campus participation, good citizenship
and leadership.
J.W. Bruce, associate professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering,
who submitted a letter of recommendation for Nucum said, “Kester is unique among the
nearly 4,000 students I have taught over the past 23 years. You could sense this young
man was bright, positive, articulate, thoughtful, motivated and full of energy. The
energy and can-do attitude he possesses and imparts to everyone around him is a sight
to behold. But Kester is not just some starry-eyed dreamer. He has the discipline,
endurance, initiative and talent to turn his vision into reality."
“Kester is well-known across campus and the community from these duties,” continued
Bruce. “He is regarded as well-spoken, mature, and positive. Everyone I met – on campus,
in the community and in the state – who discovers that I know Kester comments on how
posed and comfortable he is in roles and situations that would intimidate persons
much older and more experienced. Kester is passionate and successful in every activity
in which he undertakes.”
Nucum was a member of countless university groups and committees, including the Honors
Program, and also served as president for University Catholic, Tau Beta Pi TN Gamma
Chapter and the Rural Reimagined Club. He also held the leadership role of concertmaster
for the University Orchestra.
“He has maintained a 4.0 GPA in computer engineering and is poised to graduate in
cursu honorum,” said Bruce. “Kester is a leader in his religious student group, his
church, student organizations and the classroom. Kester is an accomplished, dedicated
musician playing the violin with the university orchestra. I have never met a student
that excelled in every aspect of their life in the way that Kester Nucum does.”
In his time here, Nucum said he was inspired by his conviction to serve and give back
with love and gratitude, both to the community and Tennessee Tech. He recounted his
most impactful experience at Tech has been to help students grow personally with his
time spent in the University Catholic student chapter.
“During COVID, our numbers had dwindled for that group, and I saw a need to help revitalize
that,” said Nucum. “My faith means a lot to me. I wanted to help grow this chapter
and influence the spiritual lives of students. That has been the most humble and joyful
experience for me. I want to be a model for others to grow closer to Christ, and to
be a servant leader and walk with people on their journey to grow in friendship and
faith.”
As for advice for new incoming freshmen, Nucum said, “Never be afraid to reach out
to people and opportunities. When you are given opportunities, grab them. Be bold,
fearless, confident and kind. You won’t know your potential until you get out there
and find out. Put yourself out there.”
After graduation, he plans to continue this education at Mississippi State University's
Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Program, where he will work as a graduate
research assistant. Nucum’s long-term career goal is to advance research and development
of artificial intelligence, digital signal processing and radar in the defense industry.
He was also recently awarded a prestigious and highly competitive Tau Beta Pi Fellowship
to attend graduate school.
There were three other finalists for this year’s Derryberry Award, including Austin
McCowan, Bailey Hooper and Gracie Rae Austin.
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.