June 24, 2008
Kimberly R. Houston-Philpot
Fisk University, B.A. '80
Weatherhead School of Management, '03
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Current home: Midland, Michigan
Kimberly R. Houston-Philpot received a University Scholarship to Fisk, enabling her to pursue her interests in economics, accounting, and business. She wanted to understand the psychology behind human behavior in organizations, as well as the issues that drive a business.
She immersed herself in campus activities and clubs: the Economics and Management Club, student government and class leadership, the Fisk Oval yearbook staff, Miss Freshman Class competition, and Miss Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. She also was a dormitory assistant.
While her own campus involvement generated many memories, upon deeper reflection Mrs. Houston-Philpot says her Fisk experience blessed her with a spirit of lifelong learning, an appreciation for diversity of expression, and the understanding of the importance of philanthropy and service to the community.
"Fisk graduates represent a proud legacy of African Americans who have helped to shape the history of America. Fisk focused on ensuring that African American students received a grounded liberal arts education coupled with an appreciation for the freedom of cultural expression," she says. "I fondly remember the ongoing flow of campus guests: Nikki Giovanni, Bill Cosby, Huey Newton and countless others who visited campus just for us."
She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in 1980, placing first in economics and management in her junior and senior years. She began her career in the finance, accounting, and auditing arena, where she worked for nine years. Eventually she began working in human resources and organizational development.
In 2001 at the age of 43, Mrs. Houston-Philpot, employed at Dow Chemical, married to Kent and the mother of daughters Shelby and Aja, decided to get a graduate degree. Case's Weatherhead School of Management offered a program she could complete in four semesters, allow her to remain employed, and confer a Master of Science in organizational behavior upon successful completion.
She received the Dean's Award for academic excellence (4.0 G.P.A.) over the four semesters. She credits in part the close relationships she developed with members of her study cohort group and the "wonderful professors who cared more about my personal growth and self-discovery than their very prestigious pedigree. I discovered more about myself because of the diversity of intellect, talent, experiences, and styles in the group."
At present, Mrs. Houston-Philpot, a certified human resource manager, is a diversity and compliance officer for Dow Chemical Corp. in Midland, Michigan. She uses her position and influence to mentor students and encourage them to consider careers in math and science.
She serves on the boards of Delta College and Dow Corning Corporation Foundation, and the executive board of Saginaw County Business Education Partnership. She is president of the Midland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Tri-City Chapter of the Links, Inc., and vice president of the Hadley School Foundation.
"Fisk prepared me to step into my place in the world so I could positively contribute to others and live out my dreams. I truly came of age at Fisk."
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 24, 2008 10:49 AM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, Weatherhead School of Management