Simpson earns Tennessee Tech’s highest student honor, the Derryberry Award
Tennessee Tech University has named Harrison Simpson, a computer science major from Martin, as the recipient of the university’s highest student honor, the Derryberry Award.
The Derryberry Award, named for former President Everett Derryberry, recognizes the graduating senior who best exemplifies outstanding scholarship, leadership and citizenship. Simpson’s academic excellence, commitment to service and transformative leadership across campus reflect the very qualities the award was established to honor.
“Harrison embodies the spirit of Tennessee Tech,” said current Tech President Phil Oldham. “Through his leadership, integrity and dedication to serving others, he has made a lasting impact on our campus community and elevated the student experience for those around him.”
Simpson has been deeply engaged in campus life throughout his time at Tech, serving in multiple leadership roles within the Student Government Association (SGA), including student body vice president. In that role, he led the 30-plus member Senate, strengthened connections between students and university leadership and worked to increase engagement and productivity among student leaders.
“When I first came to Tech, I didn’t know anything about leadership or even how meetings worked,” Simpson said. “But I was given opportunities to step in, learn and grow. Over time, I realized that what might seem impossible at first really isn’t – you just have to be willing to put yourself out there.”
Simpson’s leadership is defined not by titles, but by his commitment to action and impact. During his time in SGA, he helped revitalize student participation, organizing bill-writing workshops and mentoring fellow senators to better serve the student body. His efforts led to a significant increase in student-led initiatives and legislation.
Beyond SGA, Simpson has served on numerous university committees, including the Academic Council and Information Technology Committee, where he brought forward student perspectives to help shape institutional decisions. His work on a campus parking and accessibility initiative demonstrated his ability to bridge communication between students and administrators, ensuring that student voices were heard and understood.
Faculty and staff who have worked closely with Simpson describe him as a collaborative and thoughtful leader with a strong sense of integrity.
“To know Harrison is to know that he embodies the spirit of Tennessee Tech through his dedication to improving the student experience and strengthening the campus community,” one nominator wrote. “His leadership style is built on collaboration and empathy, and he has a remarkable ability to listen thoughtfully, bring people together and work toward solutions that benefit the broader community.”
In the classroom, Simpson has distinguished himself through academic achievement, intellectual curiosity and meaningful research contributions. As a research assistant, he has contributed to work examining the safety and security of large language models and is pursuing advanced studies in cybersecurity. He will also complete a summer internship as a cyber-physical systems security engineer, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in advanced technologies.
Simpson credits Tennessee Tech’s faculty and hands-on learning opportunities for shaping his academic and professional path.
“My professors challenged me to think beyond the technical side of my field and consider the broader impact of my work,” he said. “That perspective, combining technical skill with responsibility and ethics, has been incredibly valuable.”
Looking ahead, Simpson plans to continue his education in graduate school and pursue a career in cybersecurity research, with a focus on protecting complex systems from emerging threats.
“I'm so thankful for the mentors that have impacted my direction,” said Simpson. “My family has also played a big part keeping me going with their love and support.”
Reflecting on his journey, Simpson encourages future students to embrace opportunities and step outside their comfort zones.
“At the start, I doubted myself,” he said. “But Tech gave me the environment and support to grow. If I could tell new students anything, it’s this: what feels impossible today can absolutely become reality if you’re willing to try.”
Through his leadership, service and commitment to making a difference, Simpson leaves a legacy that will continue to shape Tennessee Tech’s campus community for years to come.