Keynote
From 0.0 to Ph.D.
For orientation, convocation, first-year experience, and TRIO events. Students leave with a real plan to stay, not just a good feeling.
Book the keynote →First-Generation Student Retention Speaker
From a 0.0 GPA to a Ph.D.
I help colleges keep first-generation students enrolled and on track to graduate, because I was the student they almost lost.
50,000+
lives impacted
300+
keynotes and workshops delivered
Ph.D.
Educational Leadership, FAMU
0.0 → PH.D.
first-gen student who finished
Partners & affiliates
The problem
They're not leaving because they can't do the work.
Your first-gen students leave because nobody showed them how college actually works: when to ask for help, how to use office hours, and how to bounce back after a bad semester.
By the time they show up on an early-alert list, they're already halfway out the door.
I know, because I walked out that door twice.
My story
I was supposed to be a sure thing.
I was a high school salutatorian and a Coca-Cola Scholar. Then I dropped out of Florida A&M. I flunked out of Georgia State with a 0.0 GPA.
When I came back, I changed everything. I sat in the front row. I went to office hours. I stopped being ashamed to ask for help. I earned my bachelor's, my master's, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from FAMU, the same university I once walked away from. I finished while losing both of my parents and working as a full-time single father.
I'm the founder of Life Is Like a Rubik's Cube, a framework that gives students a step-by-step way to solve problems instead of quitting on them. I've delivered more than 300 keynotes and workshops, and I'm based in the Atlanta area and travel nationally.
Today I show colleges how to reach students like me before they walk away.
How I work with colleges
Four ways to keep them enrolled
Student workshop
How College Actually Works
The habits that keep students enrolled: sitting in the front row, using office hours, building study groups, and asking for help without shame.
Book a workshop →Faculty & staff training
What I Wish My Professors Knew
How your faculty and staff can spot first-gen students at risk and reach them early, before the withdrawal form.
Book a training →Most impact
The Full Visit
Keynote, student workshop, and staff training in one trip. Built for fall and spring semester launches.
Plan a full visit →Who I serve
- TRIO & Student Support Services
- First-Year Experience
- Student Success & Retention
- Colleges & Universities
- Graduate Programs
Also booking high schools, community organizations, heritage months, and spoken word performances. See every event experience →
Proof
See him in the room
What people say
“This is the second year I’ve brought Dr. Derrick Standifer to our campus because the students absolutely love him!”
“He was honestly perfect! Everyone had a great time and was incredibly impressed by his spoken word performance and motivational message.”
“If you want to energize, engage, and entertain your students, you should definitely hire Dr. Derrick Standifer!”
Event experiences
Find the Perfect Experience for Your Event
From powerful spoken word performances to transformational keynotes and interactive workshops, choose your event below to see the experience and watch a sample.
Planning ahead?
Spoken Word
The poet on the program
Dr. Derrick Standifer has been a member of Black on Black Rhyme since 2009, serving as Slam Master of the Black on Black Rhyme Slam Team and contributing to poetry performances, slam competitions, and youth poetry experiences.
He is also a winner of the Toastmasters Division H International Speech Contest, and brings spoken word to keynotes, stages, and classrooms.
Feature performances
Poetry nights, heritage months, homecomings, and festivals.
Spoken word workshops
Students write and perform about a problem they're working through.
Slams & hosting
Slam hosting and emcee work for youth events, conferences, and galas.
Where I'm speaking
Where to see Dr. Derrick next
Public keynotes, poetry nights, and festival stages. School and campus programs are private and aren't listed here.
No public dates are announced right now. New ones are posted here as they’re confirmed, and on Instagram first.
Follow on InstagramQuestions planners ask
How far ahead should we book?
Most schools and organizations book 2 to 4 months ahead. Black History Month, graduation season, and back-to-school dates fill first, so reach out early for those.
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the program, date, and travel. Share your budget range in the booking form and you'll get availability and pricing within two business days.
Do you travel?
Yes. Dr. Derrick is based in the Atlanta area and speaks nationally.
Can you do a virtual event?
Check "This is a virtual event" in the booking form and we'll confirm the best format for your audience.
Can the program be customized?
Yes. Every program is shaped around your audience, theme, and goals, from a single keynote to a full day of assemblies and workshops.
How does this help keep first-gen students enrolled?
First-gen students often leave when problems pile up and they don't see a way through. Dr. Derrick gives them a story they recognize and a practical problem-solving framework, so the next setback looks like a puzzle to work, not a reason to quit. Programs can be paired with your existing advising, TRIO, or first-year success work.
Who are your audiences?
First-generation college students and the TRIO, orientation, and student success programs that support them, plus middle and high school students, educators and staff, and organizations, churches, conferences, and community events.
Let's keep your students there.
Every first-gen student who walks onto your campus deserves to walk across the stage.
Tell me about your students and your dates. You'll hear back within two business days with availability, pricing, and the right program.
Prefer to talk it through first?
Thank you. Your request is in.
Dr. Derrick's team will reply within two business days with availability and pricing for your event.
Need an answer sooner? Call 850-405-5996.