Alumni Spotlight: Deran Ford
Deran Ford is a UA Little Rock alumnus whose journey reflects perseverance, integrity, and service. He earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from UA Little Rock and has built a career spanning law enforcement, state government, and federal service—including roles with the Office of Governor Mike Beebe, the Delta Regional Authority, and a Congressional internship in Washington, D.C. Today, he serves as the Confidential Assistant and Advisor of Special Projects for the Federal Co-Chairman of the Delta Regional Authority, while also leading as President and Principal Consultant of DMF Consulting Group, LLC, focused on workforce, economic, and community development. He is also a local realtor with Faith Realty & Associates. Deran says what shaped him most isn’t just what’s on his résumé. As his mother’s seventh child and a premature baby, he learned determination early—and his message remains clear: never accept defeat as an option.
What’s something about your journey that people don’t see on your résumé—but it shaped you the most?
My journey has been shaped much by being my mother’s seventh (7th) child of eight, (five boys and three girls) and being born as a premature baby. In reflecting on this, I am often reminded that I had to persevere and be determined to overcome various challenges at birth in order to remain alive, and ultimately to overcome any of life’s obstacles along my journey. Additionally, having lost three of my older brothers (all as adults), their untimely deaths forces me to view each day as an opportunity in life to achieve new things, and to never feel defeated by any of life’s obstacles; instead, always be ready for any opportunity that life brings you!
When you think back to your time at UA Little Rock, what’s one lesson, moment, or person that still sticks with you today?
Wow, there are so many. However, I’m reminded of the positive impact so many of my professors had on me—Dr. Dewdor Morais Ford, the late Dr. Charles Ford, Dr. Karen Kuralt, Dr. David Montague, Dr. Mary Parker, Dr. Brian Mitchell, Dr. L.T. Williams, Dr. David Briscoe, and Dr. Art English, to name a few. I mention these professors in particular because I often spoke with them and stayed in touch as I progressed through college.
As far as a moment I reflect back on, it would be the first day I arrived on campus for class. My very first class was an evening communication course taught by Dr. Michael Hemphill. He was an outstanding professor, but at the time, he seemed somewhat intimidating because of his strong voice and stature. To my surprise, though, it wasn’t him that intimidated me—it was my fear of being in college at UALR. I remember sitting in class thinking about my late 21-year-old brother, Alvin Frazier, who was murdered on Dec. 27, 1993—two weeks before what would have been his first semester at UALR. I remember telling myself, “You’re here, Deran. You are Mom’s very first son to attend college. Do it, and be determined to finish, no matter what!”
What motivates you on the tough days—when the work feels heavy or the stakes feel high?
I remain motivated by my childhood struggles. No matter how my lifestyle may look to others, I grew up poor—but I never fully felt the weight of that struggle because of the many sacrifices my amazing mother made. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude, and that continues to motivate me. Lastly, I remind myself of a golden principle: there is always a reward at the finish line. No matter how big or small, the finish line is filled with a promise. No matter how long it takes to complete the task, and no matter how tough the day may seem, it will yield a reward if you remain determined to finish.
What’s one belief or value you try to lead with no matter where you are or who you’re serving?
Never compromise your integrity, always do an honest day’s work, and keep God first in all that you do.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received—and who gave it to you?
I have received advice from many important people in my life—teachers, mentors, friends, my older siblings, my mother, and others. What comes to mind most right now are the words of wisdom from my mother, Daisy Frazier-Jackson, who has always instilled in me the importance of “doing right in all things.” She often reminds me that “love and kindness toward others will always overshadow the hurt or wrong that others may do to you.” In other words, always keep a gentle and humble spirit, even when you have been wronged or taken advantage of by others.
If you could leave people with one quote they’d remember you by, what would it be?
If I were to be remembered by one quote, it would be: “No matter life’s obstacles, never accept defeat as an option—as for God created you to be victorious and triumphant over all things and all situations you encounter.”