Derhun Sanders

Derhun Sanders graduated from cum laude from Michigan Tech in 1997 with his BS in Biological Sciences. A decorated Army civilian leader, strategist, and STEM champion whose career has spanned more than 25 years of public service, he currently serves as Chief of Domestic Industry and Academia Partnerships at the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Headquarters.

While Michigan Tech was the only school Sanders applied to, his journey to get to where he is today wasn’t always an easy one. Growing up in Flint, Sanders was introduced to Tech through Summer Youth Programs. However, when it came time to leave home for college, he almost didn’t go.

“I was deeply rooted in my church, close to my mom, and honestly comfortable staying where I was,” he explained. “Then in July, my mom called me and lovingly but firmly let me know that I needed to get out of Flint and give myself a chance at something bigger. Looking back, that moment changed the trajectory of my life.”

Sanders credits his time at Tech for shaping his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and scientific excellence. As an undergraduate, he was an active campus leader—serving in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Echoes from Heaven Gospel Choir.

Sanders reflected on the friendships he built during his time on campus, sharing about a friend he met as a student whom he remains close with today.

He said, “Both of us are serving young people through STEAM mentorship and helping create opportunities through electric solar car programs in our communities. It is amazing to see how seeds planted at Michigan Tech continue to bear fruit years later.”

Sanders later returned to serve on the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees (2017–2024), the Alumni Board of Directors (2004–2010), and has been a featured keynote speaker and role model for the Summer Youth Programs. Sanders is also a proud recipient of the university’s Percy Julian Award for leadership and academic distinction. He was inducted into the College of Sciences and Arts Academy in 2025.

Outside the Army, Sanders has made a mark in STEM education as a volunteer coach for Heroes’ Alliance—a youth technology and leadership organization. Under his mentorship, the Genius Within, a high school electric-solar car team associated with the Cooperative Learning Center, secured back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023.

“Giving back is my way of saying thank you,” he said, “For the grace, guidance, and opportunities I have received.”

Sanders previously served on special assignment to the Pentagon in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. He has led collaborative efforts with agencies including the Department of Energy, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Office of Naval Research, the Department of Homeland Security and state-level partners. In recognition of his leadership, he received the Department of the Army’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Sanders resides in Dumfries, Virginia, with his wife, Verona, and is the proud father of Cameron—a graduate student at Georgetown University.

In recognition of his contributions, Sanders will be presented with the Humanitarian Award during Alumni Reunion in August 2026.

Updated June 2026