Governor Philip D. Murphy
Executive Order No. 64 (2019)
A Tribute to the Life and Passing of Dr. Derrick E. Nelson
Issued: April 12, 2019.
Effective: April 12, 2019.
WHEREAS, Dr. Derrick E. Nelson was a selfless servicemember and educator, who served for over two decades in the United States Army Reserve and shaped the lives of countless students in New Jersey's schools; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson was born on January 29, 1975; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Delaware State University, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from St. Peter's College, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Seton Hall University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson began his career in education in 2002 as a teacher in the Plainfield School District, later served as assistant principal in two public schools in Orange, New Jersey, and was most recently the principal of Westfield High School in Union County; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson was a role model for students, staff, and colleagues, and was respected and admired by those he worked with; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his service in education, Dr. Nelson served in the United States Army Reserve for more than twenty years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson was a man of immense character and kindness, a pillar of his community, and beloved by all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson died unexpectedly at the age of 44 after suffering complications following a bone marrow donation procedure to a young boy in France; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson's presence and selflessness will be sorely missed by his family, his many friends, his colleagues, and by the people of New Jersey whom he served so well; and
WHEREAS, it is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Dr. Nelson, and extend our deepest sympathy to his fiancee, Sheronda Braker, and their daughter, family, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, leadership, and cherished memory of Dr. Nelson, and to mark his passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 64 (2019)