Both men were retiring from FPU. McHatten, assistant professor of special education, started his full-time faculty appointment in 2005, and Derby, assistant professor of education, in 2009. Both were program directors, with McHatten heading the special education program at the Visalia Center and the moderate-severe credential program. Derby directed the administrative services program.
The two brought professional and personal strengths to their work, according to Gary Gramenz, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education. "They will be missed," he said.
Derby started as a one-semester interim and just stayed on. "He really does have a knack for this kind of work," said Gramenz, who praised Derby's expertise in cognitive coaching, a process to help walk leaders through issues and see clearly what's involved.
McHatten was known for building relationships. "He just has a heart for special needs kids. He's deeply committed to that group of students, and the teachers who work with them. He befriended dozens of special education teachers who were deeply inspired by him," Gramenz said.
Beginning his teaching career in 1970, McHatten was a school principal as well as director of Fresno County Juvenile Court Schools. He earned an A.A. from Fresno City College and a B.S. and M.A. from California State University, Fresno.
After serving as a school principal, Derby was executive director of the San Joaquin Valley School Leadership Center, director of Regional Leadership Services and director and owner of Central Valley Leadership Alliance. His B.A. is from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his M.A. is from the University of San Francisco.
Photo: McHatten, left; Derby, right