Alumnus Spotlight: Derek Jeffries
July 7, 2025
Alumnus Spotlight!
Today, we would like to highlight alumnus Derek Jeffries ‘87. We asked Jeffries about his time as an undergraduate student and where his career has taken him.
What has your career path been like?
I graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. My career path has been non-traditional. Upon graduation, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and Civil Engineer Officer in the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force Civil Engineer (CE) career field employs all traditional engineering disciplines, including architects, and works the full spectrum of facility and infrastructure engineering projects and management.
What is your fondest memory of your time as an undergraduate student?
Being the Regimental Commander (cadet Colonel) of the VT Corps of Cadets. It was an honor to serve as the highest ranking cadet. I learned a lot about leadership and people.
What did you love about the Virginia Tech Architecture Program?
The freedom to be creative! Immersing myself in a design studio project and spending late nights in Cowgill with my classmates. Thinking outside the box. Also, taking courses like statics and strengths of materials, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. Plus, I really enjoyed history of art and architecture and Ellen Braaten‘s ceramics class. I liked the creative and technical balance the program offered.
Any advice for current students with similar interests?
Find challenging project work that you personally enjoy. Roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty. Glamours projects are great, but don’t turn away the less than idyllic facility and infrastructure projects. Especially if the project scope is large. They can provide a great opportunity to gain new experience in other technical disciplines.
We’d also like to congratulate Alyssa Jeffires '25, his daughter, for her recent graduation from the Virginia Tech Bachelor of Architecture program!
Photos 2-5: The Center for Character and Leadership Development, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado
Photos 6-8: Missile Defense Long Range Discrimination Radar, Clear Air Force Station, Alaska