Dr. Derrick V. Warren, D.B.A. is the Dean of the College of Business at Grambling State University, where he also serves as a tenured professor and visionary academic leader. Appointed in August 2023, Dr. Warren brings over 30 years of global leadership experience across higher education, technology, and industry. He has held senior executive roles at IBM, including Vice President and Partner in Strategy and Analytics, leading transformative initiatives across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa.
Dr. Warren is a nationally recognized advocate for innovation in business education, with specializations in Data Science, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation. He is an IBM-certified instructor in multiple technology domains and has trained hundreds of students and faculty across the HBCU landscape through initiatives like the IBM Skills Academy and HBCU Quantum Coalition.
As Dean, Dr. Warren has championed initiatives such as the GRAMPreneurs program, financial literacy and digital credentialing projects, and the expansion of student organizations and experiential learning. His commitment to student success, alumni engagement, and community collaboration reflects his belief in making business education accessible, relevant, and impactful.
Dr. Warren holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, an MBA in International Business from the University of South Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Southern University and A&M College. He continues to serve on numerous advisory boards and commissions, including the Louisiana Computer Science Education Advisory Commission.
Dr. Derrick V. Warren has made significant scholarly and intellectual contributions in the areas of information technology, digital transformation, and higher education innovation. His research and publications reflect a deep commitment to advancing knowledge at the intersection of business strategy and emerging technologies.
Peer-Reviewed Publications:
Cloud-Based Business Services Innovation: A Risk Management Model, International Journal of Information Management, 2017.
Read article
Dissertation:
Digital Member Network Implementation and Coproduction: An Investigation of an Alumni
Association Network, Georgia State University, 2019.
View dissertation
Books & Editorial Work:
Foreword Author – The HBCU Experience: Southern University System (2nd Edition) (2022)
Expert Author – The HBCU Experience: Southern University Edition (2021)
Editor – Southern University Alumni Federation Directory (2020, 2017 Editions)
Editor – Southern University Alumni Oral History Project (In Progress)
Popular and Industry Media:
Featured in CIO Magazine, Forbes, Business Week, Time, and The Wall Street Journal as part of IBM’s "On Demand Thinking" ad series.
Contributor to the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) on “Consulting for Engineers.”
Conferences and Invited Talks (Selected):
Cloud-Based Business Services Innovation: A Risk Model, Engaged Management Scholarship Conference, Paris Dauphine University, France
Digital Credentialing & Skills Gap Closure, American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)
Facing Fear, Finding Fulfillment, and Fueling Fun Using First Time Experiences, TEDx Scotlandville
Through his academic writing, editorial leadership, and global speaking engagements, Dr. Warren continues to shape conversations around the future of work, business education, and inclusive innovation in technology.
Dr. Derrick V. Warren’s research explores the intersection of business innovation, emerging technologies, and higher education. His scholarly interests include:
Alumni Engagement and Institutional Advancement
Information Technology Adoption & Coproduction
Data Science and Business Analytics
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Deep Learning
Cybersecurity for Business and Education
Blockchain Applications in Business
Technology Pedagogy for Non-Technical Learners
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Minority Communities
Digital Credentialing and Workforce Readiness
Student Recruitment, Retention, and Reclamation in HBCUs
Dr. Warren’s research is driven by a commitment to improving digital literacy, fostering inclusive innovation, and preparing the next generation of leaders for success in a technology-driven global economy.
Dr. Derrick V. Warren has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership, innovation, service, and excellence in academia and industry:
TEDx Speaker – Facing Fear, Finding Fulfillment and Fueling Fun Using First Time Experiences (TEDx Scotlandville, 2021)
National Alumni Director of the Year – National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (2018)
President’s Award – Southern University Alumni Federation (2018, 2019)
Distinguished Service Award – Southern University Alumni Federation, Lafayette Chapter (2018)
Excellence in Leadership Award – Southern University Alumni Federation (2017)
Man of the Year – Technology – Jaguar Foundation of Atlanta (2014)
Lifetime Professional and Public Service Achievement Award – International Research and Faculty Research Forum (2019)
IBM Golden Circle and Hundred Percent Club – Top Company Performance Awards
NSBE Recognition Award – National Society of Black Engineers, Region III Conference (2005)
Commencement Speaker – Southern University at Baton Rouge (Fall 2011)
Thurgood Marshall College Fund & NBA Innovate the Future Challenge Coach – Led team to Top 3 National Finish (2021)
Home Depot Retool Your School Challenge Contributor – Helped secure over $150,000 in improvement grants for Southern University
Metamucil HBCU Challenge Key Contributor – Contributed to $50,000+ in competitive grant winnings (2019–2022)
Student Government Association President & Junior Class President – Southern University
National Brother of the Year – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1981–82)
White House Invitee – HBCU Executive Order Signing by President Ronald Reagan
Dr. Warren’s accolades reflect a career of impact, commitment to excellence, and service to both the academic and broader professional community.