Derek H. Alderman is a Professor of Geography and the Betty Lynn Hendrickson Professor of Social Science at the University of Tennessee, where he also currently serves as Interim Head of the Department of Geography. He is a past President of the American Association of Geographers (AAG). Dr. Alderman received his MA and PhD in Geography from the University of Georgia and a BA in History from Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Alderman’s research and teaching specialties include race, public memory, heritage tourism, critical place name study, and social justice–often within the context of the African American freedom struggle. He is (co)author of over 140 publications, including the award-winning book Civil Rights Memorials and the Geography of Memory (with Owen Dwyer). The National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities have funded his research and pedagogical work. He has been interviewed or quoted over 220 times in print, radio and television media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, The Guardian, and National Public Radio.

A devoted teacher and advocate for students and early career faculty and professionals, Dr. Alderman is a past recipient of the Distinguished Mentor Award and the Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education. His other recognitions include AAG Media Achievement Honors and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southeastern Division of the AAG. He can be followed on Twitter @MLKStreet.