Name: Kelly Boutin
Job: Assistant Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion- Hochberg Women’s Center and Pride Center
Fun fact: I’m bizarrely good at speaking in accents and reproducing other people’s voices.
HC: Can you tell us a little about your background? How did you get where you are today?
KB: I am a Rhode Island native and grew up in South County, Rhode Island. I grew up on a dairy farm and near the beach, so nature has always been a huge part of my life and identity. I feel most centered and like myself when I am in the natural world or with animals.
I went to Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where I studied Hispanic Studies and Secondary Education. It was during my undergraduate career that I first became introduced to the concept of social justice and the ideas of privilege and oppression. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it happen, but once my mind and heart were opened to these issues, I knew that I had to do something to work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
I was a Spanish teacher for six years at Chariho High School, here in Rhode Island. I absolutely loved it, but I always knew that I wanted to continue my education. I finally decided on a Master’s program in Student Affairs Counseling at Bridgewater State University. At first, I had every intention of returning to the Spanish classroom, but I immediately realized that Student Affairs was my ticket into the world of social justice education.
After grad school, I had the opportunity to serve as a Coordinator at both the Women’s Center and the LGBTQ Center at the University of Rhode Island. I learned a tremendous amount in these two positions and am thrilled to be able to bring much of what I learned at URI to my new role at Bryant.
HC: Did you ever have an alternative “Dream Job” that you wanted to do?
KB: I really did love being a Spanish teacher. I absolutely love language- grammar and vocabulary are like brain candy for me. And, I loved the challenge of trying to modify my teaching to meet the needs of different kinds of learners. It’s fascinating to think of all the different ways you can teach and learn.
HC: What is your favorite part about Bryant University so far?
KB: I have been blown away (delightfully) by the number of faculty, staff, and students who have gone out of their way to welcome me to the Bryant community. Countless people have stopped by my office to say hi or to welcome me to campus. And, everyone has been so helpful. From unlocking my office to helping me fill out HR forms, to creating my Bryant ID, everyone has been so willing and happy to help me acclimate to life at Bryant.
HC: What are some of your responsibilities at Bryant?
KB: As an Assistant Direct for the Center of Diversity and Inclusion, I specifically coordinate the Hochberg Women’s Center and the Pride Center. I will be doing a lot of work around Title IX, and policies, procedures, and educational efforts relating to violence prevention. I also have the opportunity to organize programming around women’s issues, gender issues, and the LGBT community. I am so lucky to work with an amazing staff who shares the same interest in diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Our team is just coming together, but I am so proud and excited to work with such amazing individuals!
HC: Where can students find you on campus?
KB: My office is located in the Hochberg Women’s Center and Pride Center, on the 2nd Floor of the Fisher Student Center. Please feel free to stop by any time!
HC: What are you looking forward to experiencing at Bryant in the upcoming semester or years?
KB: I love the Bryant pride I see in so many faculty, staff, and students. I am so excited to be a member of this community and I can’t wait to become more involved and find my inner Bulldog!