Derick S. Vance is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He attended Richmond Public Schools graduating from Marshall-Walker High School in 1984. Mr. Vance attended Norfolk State University as a scholarship athlete graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications.
After graduation, Mr. Vance continued his education by obtaining two Master’s degrees. His master’s degrees were conferred from East Tennessee State University in 1994, a Master’s of Education in Exercise Science, and from Boston College in 2001, a Master of Arts in Sociology. Mr. Vance recently earned a Certificate in Applied Studies in Paralegal Studies from the University of Richmond 2021.
Service is very important to Mr. Vance. He served his country as a member of the United States Army, serving for 6 years as a Public Affairs Officer. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Astoria Beneficial Club, Richmond Branch of ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), he volunteers as a CASA court appointed special advocate for the City of Richmond and serves on the Deacon Ministry at Riverview Baptist Church.
Since 2003, Mr. Vance has been employed by Henrico County Public Schools, teaching social studies at Henrico High School. Known as Coach Vance by his colleagues and students, he has taught such classes as World History, VA U.S. History, AP U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology, VA U.S. Government, and African American History.
Coach Vance has served in the positions of Academic Advisor for Student Athletes, Assistant Athletic Director, and Administrative Aide at Henrico. He has worked directly with both the football and basketball programs during his time here.
Coach Vance was one of 25 teachers selected to teach the Virginia Department of Education's pilot course on African American History for the 2020-2021 school year. He believes it is his mission to prepare students for the next chapter of their lives.
