SYNERGY - Juneteenth 2022

Mike Hutley

Story By: Miracle Pryor

Growing up, some of those tough conversations from his parents and mentors would drive Mike Hutley up a wall. What he didn’t know then was those conversations would shape him into the leader he is today. Now he has new conversations with students that have the potential to change the trajectory of their entire academic career.

Mike Hutley moved to Gainesville in 1981 from Quincy, Florida to attend college at the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In 2003, he earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Leo University. Currently he serves as a college registrar at Santa Fe College, and has done so for about eight years. Hutley says he loves his role because it gives him a chance to “get his fingers in a lot of things.” just that by serving as a resource for others.

Since his nearly 25-year career span at Santa Fe, Hutley has worked in various roles. He has been a case manager for the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and WAGES program, assisted with the Upward Bound program, a disabilities specialist and worked in records and admissions.

Hutley is also a member of Santa Fe’s, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), which is a program that was “designed to make an impact on the recruitment, retention, and graduation rate of Black males.” In working with the coordinator of MBK, he helps make sure students fully understand the process and provide an “open door to seek answers to questions.”

As a Black man, having conversations that invoke success are not new to Hutley. He recalls some of those conversations with his dad, whom he affectionately called, “Pop.” to Pops,” Hutley said. One thing I couldn’t do as a kid was come home with excuses on why I didn’t do well.”

Hutley encourages young men to not always focus on their situations, but their approach, and holding themselves accountable when necessary. “I try to find common ground and be that ear, but I also try to be real about consequences,” Hutley said. “I don’t always step right in and try to kick the door down.”

Hutley’s motivation to be a leader, is he says, “probably the next best thing you just don’t know about.” He believes there is comfort in finding that thing that makes you uncomfortable.

In order to maintain motivation, goal setting is often a key element on the journey to becoming a leader. It influences Hutley in an unthinkable way by not just setting goals, but doing a better job setting goals.

“You don’t get to certain places without goal setting.” I’ve obviously set goals, but you’re always trying to do a better job at setting those goals,” Hutley said.

He advises others seeking to serve in leadership roles to be flexible and not to be afraid to look in non-traditional places for motivation. Hutley works hard to stay motivated and keep enough motivation for himself.

“You hear about the upside, but it’s those valleys, those personal defeats,” Hutley said. “It’s one thing to tell others, but it’s another thing when you’re looking in the mirror.”

“You do not always have to know what your next move will be or plan is, but always be prepared to walk through the door when it opens,” Hutley said.

He has certainly walked through some doors and spent time preparing himself. He has remained committed to affecting lives in his role, his greatest accomplishment.