Jacquelyn (Mather) Hutzell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Oklahoma

Hometown:  Chickasha, OK

Current City: Oklahoma City, OK

Graduation year: 2002

Major: International Studies and Spanish

Sorority: Kappa Alpha Theta

What other degrees have you earned?

Masters in International Affairs, Texas A&M University
Juris Doctorate, University of Denver

Please describe your current work.

I am an Assistant U.S. Attorney. I prosecute federal crimes, with a particular focus on violent offenders who violate federal firearms laws.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to continue my career at the U.S. Attorney’s office, serving and protecting the public and fighting for justice.

In terms of your professional life, what would you say is your overarching purpose today?

Justice.

Did your liberal arts education allow you to uncover particular passions that you’ve carried into your career?

My time at Westminster helped me to find my passion for public service, which has been the driving force behind the most fulfilling aspects of my career path.

Were any relationships you formed at Westminster particularly influential in helping you find clarity of purpose?

So many of the relationships I formed at Westminster were influential in helping me find my path, in particular, Dr. Carolyn Perry, Dr. Butch Lael, Dr. William Young and many of the students I attended Westminster with.  Far and away though, the most influential relationship I formed was with my randomly assigned freshman roommate, Pam Miranti (from Spain). Her friendship provided me the encouragement I needed to find my way, and her own motivation and success challenged me to try harder and reach farther.

What does being a “leader” mean to you?

Being a leader means seeing the big picture, bringing out the best in other people, being willing to make hard decisions and speaking the truth to others. Westminster was a treasure of leadership opportunities that allowed me to find my leadership style, better my communication skills and learn to prioritize the success of others.

What does success mean to you?

To me, success means working hard and doing the right thing.

What is it about Westminster that makes it the kind of community that empowers students to discover their purpose and find success?

I think the size of the school and the quality of the faculty really provide unique opportunities and accountability that puts students on paths to succeed.

Do you recommend Westminster to prospective college students?

I recommend Westminster to prospective college students because Westminster really gave me the opportunities to grow and develop as a student, a writer, a leader and a person in ways that larger universities cannot offer.

Favorite Westminster faculty member?

Dr. Carolyn Perry

Favorite spot on campus?

The baseball field

Last book you read?

Becoming

Favorite TV show?

Friday Night Lights

Favorite app?

Google Maps

Favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Walking my dog with my husband and then having my whole family over to my house for dinner!