Toby Hutchins
Assistant Director
Education
- M.A., higher education 鈥� student affairs and public policy, University of Michigan, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, 2017
- B.S., political science, Grand Valley State University, 2015
- B.S., public administration, Grand Valley State University, 2015
Professional Experience
Prior to coming to Hope, Toby worked in the areas of college access and student support, and he taught several courses as an adjunct professor. He was the director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Lake Michigan College (LMC) in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a program designed to work with first generation, economically disadvantaged adults to help them achieve their educational goals and aspirations. Likewise, in his role with LMC鈥檚 Upward Bound program, Toby had a chance to create a supportive environment of college preparation alongside Benton Harbor High School students on their college-going journey.
With student success at the forefront, Toby鈥檚 experience as an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College, and later serving as an academic coach for Davenport University鈥檚 football program, heightened his passion for creating environments that support students. While never a student-athlete (but a great saxophone player), Toby was drawn to the community that football builds around it and enjoyed his two seasons providing academic support for student-athletes in the classroom, and personally supporting them on the playing field. Toby worked with early-college high school students and created classroom spaces that allowed growth and exploration, all while defining and pushing their educational boundaries. Toby鈥檚 catalyst for wanting to return to Hope College Upward Bound was remembering student and family stories and passions to succeed, as well as the time he spent with the program as a summer academic coach. He has also worked extensively alongside community partners including nonprofits, churches, school organizations and detention centers.
A relentless advocate for his hometown of Fennville, Michigan, at the age of 21, Toby was elected to the Fennville Public Schools (FPS) Board of Education in 2014. Under his eight years of leadership, FPS oversaw a $24 million infrastructure project impacting generations of students. During his tenure, an $800,000 community recreation millage to expand the recreation opportunities in the Fennville-area was approved, along with a $2 million sinking fund for continuous district enhancements, including hiring additional college, career and social work supports for students. With his passion for Fennville, Toby continues to advocate for student voices in school decision-making, as well as highlighting why FPS is a school of choice destination.