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 fiancée, 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:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, April 15, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a visionary educator and distinguished servicemember, Dr. Derrick E. Nelson.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.