UW Tacoma Faculty Assembly

May 2, 2024

Executive Council Representative of the Month: Kurt Hatch

EC Reps of May 2024 

The Faculty Assembly is starting this web column to celebrate the outstanding service contributions made by our faculty governance leaders and recognize their fine accomplishments with the whole campus community.  

  • The Faculty Assembly office had an opportunity to interview one of our Executive Council Representative. Let’s hear their story 

 

 

Kurt Hatch  

Professor of Practice 

Faculty Director of the Education Administration Program 

School of Education 

 

Faculty Governance Experience 

I’ve served on the EC for only a few months. I’m yet to serve on a committee. 

 

1. What motivated you to serve in Faculty Governance? 

I was asked to represent my colleagues in the School of Education. I see this opportunity as an honor and opportunity to broaden my perspective about higher education in general and issues of governance. I’m also motivated to do my best in the representation of colleagues in the School of Education. 

2. What valuable experiences did you gain by serving for faculty governance? 

I enjoy the experience of being around thoughtful, dedicated colleagues from other units. There is a lot of wisdom in the Executive Council. I’m learning about channels of advocacy and policy connected to past practices. I’m also learning about common vocabulary within units, the broad culture of UWT and how the gears of higher ed turn. 

3. What advice would you give for Faculty interested in being a part of Faculty Governance? 

I think it is helpful for anyone to broaden their perspective about how important decisions are made. Also, advocating for diverse needs and collaborating to find common ground with competing needs is nuanced and often takes time. Serving on the EC is a commitment of time but, if someone is interested in expanding their view and learning how to elevate important ideas while collaborating with colleagues, I say “go for it!” 

4. When did you join University of Washington Tacoma? What is the best part of your Tacoma experience? Etc.  

I joined the UWT in 2021 after serving 20+ years in PK-12 local, state and national leadership. I chose education as a profession in order to help others and, more specifically, eliminate racism and exclusionary practices while unapologetically prioritizing the well-being and needs of those who have been (and currently are) marginalized, oppressed and miseducated. I was drawn to the UWT for several reasons. One reason is that my mission connects to the UWT mission. More specifically, I saw clear evidence the staff and faculty of the School of Education are actively pushing the mission forward. It is an honor to work in community with them in service of students.