Kelle Hutchinson graduated in 1996 from Northwestern’s African American Studies Department. She now serves as Director of the Foundation Program Unit at Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait City. Hutchinson attributes her career success, and the many skills she’s acquired, to the AFAM Department at Northwestern.
What inspired you to pursue a major or minor in the Department of African American Studies (AFAM)?
I chose to major in African-American Studies with a minor in English because I was hungry to learn about my own heritage. The history lessons I had in elementary and high school didn’t include African-American history, culture, literature, or music. I remember my mom telling me that I was born at Provident Hospital, the Black hospital, where a Black surgeon performed the first open-heart surgery. Everything I learned before Northwestern, I heard at family gatherings or read about on my own. Having the opportunity to explore all that is American history, in particular the contributions of Black people, for me, was exciting and fulfilling. I can’t recall the number of times I explained why I chose AFAM Studies at such a prestigious university. But what will you do with this major they all asked? I was never worried.
How did your studies in the AFAM department impact you personally or professionally?
I can look back now and see that every experience at NU prepared me for who I am today, personally and professionally. Each experience was a link that led me to another important experience. I have utilized and honed my skills in so many ways. My focus has always been literacy, and the impact it has always had for Black people and other marginalized groups. Professor Leon Forrest introduced me to a network of mentors: Penny Warren, Madhu Dubey, Ken Warren, and Charles Payne, to name a few. Professor Forrest recommended me to Professor Carol Lee in the Education/Learning Sciences department. As an undergrad and grad student, I worked on her Cultural Modeling Research Project. I didn’t realize it then, but my interest in data analysis is how I became intrigued with accreditation. My work-study job in the Graduate School with Penny Warren showed me the importance of student services and special programs, and how they can change a student’s life. I participated in the summer research program, which lead to a graduate fellowship at NU. Penny Warren taught me how to be an advocate for students. There were also faculty outside of AFAM studies that guided me, including the Black House where I tutored. All of my accomplishments can be traced back to AFAM Studies and I am so grateful.
Is there a specific course, event, or memory associated with the AFAM department that sticks out to you from your time at Northwestern?
I have two incredible memories. I’ll never forget meeting Toni Morrison. Professor Forrest asked three AFAM majors to accompany him to pick up Ms. Morrison at the airport. I don’t have to tell you how fabulous it was to meet her. I also remember performing a spoken-word piece written by Professor Forrest and the composer Professor TJ Anderson at the Green Mill, with musicians from the music school. Oh my goodness!
What are you working on right now that excites you the most OR are there any accomplishments you would like to share?
My love of literature ultimately afforded me the opportunity to travel and work abroad. After receiving my MA in the School of Communication at NU I began my life in academia, but traveling was something I yearned to do. As an ethnographer, visiting for a week or two wasn’t enough, so I began by teaching children and ultimately teaching doctors and nurses in South Korea. Then I decided to try Italy. In Milan, I taught engineers English prior to them working on a project in Afghanistan. Later, I found myself in a tiny town in Sicily where they hear mafia cases. I was teaching judges and prosecutors English. During this time, I was approached to edit an Italian and English Marketing textbook. My next adventure led me to Kuwait, teaching English at the university level and then I became the accreditation coordinator, where I obtained two accreditations for the university in Math and English. I’m now the Director of the Foundation Program at Gulf University for Science and Technology. My decisions for the program and other areas of the university are always data-driven, which takes me back to my days as a research assistant at NU, where I learned to tell a story qualitatively and quantitatively. Understanding the importance of literacy is because of my AFAM courses. Learning to read was forbidden for slaves. Having worked at an organization that teaches immigrants and anyone that wanted to learn to read, gave me a window into how literacy still equates to higher wages, freedom, and upward mobility. So, when I’m asked what my major was in college and what I do now, I no longer get that puzzled look. I developed critical thinking skills as an AFAM major. I utilized my love of literature, history, culture, education, and research, to forge a unique path for myself. Math and English skills are vital today and I try to instill this in students on a daily basis.
What’s a fun fact that you want to share with the Northwestern community?
When I think of Northwestern, I will always remember the first time I visited the campus when I was fourteen years old, for a Saturday morning math program. It was spring and I was in awe of the fact that traffic stopped on Sheridan Road for a mother duck and her long single file of baby ducklings trailing behind her. NU was another world, and I made a vow that I was coming back someday.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
In my free time, packing for a trip is always at the top of my list. I love going to the airport. When I’m not traveling, I’m usually in the garden, reading or enjoying a sci-fi movie.