Spotlight on Gavin Derryberry

Gavin Derryberry
Accounting Manager
Hull & Associates, Inc.
B.S. in Accounting and Financial Management

I knew since high school that I wanted to go into business, so attending college and pursuing a degree was part of that plan.

Following in the tradition of my family, I enrolled at the
same large university that several other relatives had attended. After two years, I realized that the school was just not the right fit for me. Not only did I feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and somewhat lost, I also had difficulty focusing on my education goals. My mother always instilled in me that hard work and dedication would pay off, so, with respect for her wisdom, I honored my need to learn in a different environment. I chose to transfer to a smaller university in hopes of getting more personal attention–  even though some of my family members questioned my move at the time.

When I found Franklin, I knew I had found the perfect place for me to learn. The small class sizes were just what I needed, and the faculty were friendly and helpful. They really knew what they were talking about because they worked in the field they were teaching. Their experience and insight kept the classes interesting, which made it easy for me to be successful. Their personal attention and advice also helped me identify my career path in accounting. I knew this path would be challenging and would provide me with many job opportunities.

Making the switch to Franklin was a great decision. Not only did I earn my B.S. in Accounting and Financial Management in record time, I graduated with honors while holding two jobs.

Now no one in my family is questioning my choice to transfer to Franklin. They see that my career is taking off just as I hoped it would– I earned a promotion from Intern to Staff Accountant just as I was completing my degree. My education is paying off every day at work, and I am taking additional courses at Franklin to prepare me to sit for the CPA exam.

Best of all, I know that Franklin has given me the skills I need to reach another goal I have set for myself: to eventually establish and operate my own business.