Jerome Hunt never expected to be teaching political science at 萝莉研究所. His path was one of discovery, filled with unexpected turns, but those twists ultimately led him to where he truly belonged鈥攊n the classroom, shaping young minds. A full-time tenured faculty member at Long Beach City College (LBCC), Jerome found his way to 萝莉研究所 after a colleague reached out, asking if he would be interested in teaching a course on race and ethnicity. "I said sure, and I鈥檝e been here ever since," he recalls.
Jerome鈥檚 educational journey began far from the West Coast, growing up in Philadelphia and later moving to Washington, D.C. to pursue graduate work at Howard University. It was in D.C. that he completed his PhD, an experience that shaped both his academic path and his personal growth. Interestingly, Jerome hadn鈥檛 always planned on a career in political science or education. His first passion was music, and his original intention was to become a music teacher. However, fate had other plans.
鈥淚 was politely pulled into the Dean鈥檚 office and told that the music program wasn鈥檛 for me,鈥� Jerome remembers with a smile. "But I stayed involved in music, playing in ensembles, while trying to figure out what else I wanted to do." His interest in politics, something he had always been passionate about, began to take hold. As a child, Jerome was the one who reminded his parents about Election Day, urging them to take him along to the voting booth. So, when he found himself excelling in an early morning political science class in college, it became clear that his path was changing.
At the same time, he also took an African American history class, taught by his first African American professor, who became a mentor. 鈥淪he really opened my eyes,鈥� Jerome says. 鈥淪he encouraged me to go further and pursue higher education.鈥� Thanks to her encouragement, Jerome completed his master鈥檚 degree and, despite initial hesitations, followed it with a PhD.
Jerome鈥檚 professional career started with roles that gave him a front-row seat to American government. He worked in the Executive Office of the President under the Bush administration, continuing into the Obama administration. He also contributed to progressive research as a part of the LGBTQ progress team at the Center for American Progress. During this time, he began to explore his own identity, coming out to his close friends and colleagues. It was a pivotal moment, not only in his personal life but also in his academic journey.
He soon found his calling in teaching, working as a visiting professor at the University of the District of Columbia, where he taught political science for five years. It was here that Jerome truly discovered the power of representation in the classroom. "There aren鈥檛 many African American professors in political science. I realized that I was the first African American professor many of my students had, and that was important," he reflects. Jerome made it his mission to present political science from a perspective that wasn't traditionally taught, emphasizing the diversity of experiences in the political realm.
His passion for teaching grew as he found himself able to connect with students on a personal level, especially those who saw themselves in his journey. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly rewarding when students realize someone wants to hear what they have to say,鈥� he says. This approach carried over to his work at LBCC, where he also serves as Academic Senate President, and now, to 萝莉研究所, where he teaches courses on American politics, race, and ethnicity.
Jerome's teaching philosophy revolves around challenging students to think critically and to question their assumptions. He aims to provide a well-rounded experience, believing that education should be accessible and rigorous, whether at a community college or a four-year university. "It doesn鈥檛 matter if you paid a dollar or a thousand dollars for this education鈥攜ou deserve quality teaching," Jerome asserts.
For students in his classes, Jerome offers a fresh, inclusive perspective on political science. He encourages open dialogue and values diverse viewpoints. His goal is not to change students鈥� minds but to help them see the broader picture. "We don't have enough conversations about what鈥檚 happening in our society," Jerome says. "My job is to help students enter those spaces confidently, to be part of those conversations, and to realize that their voices matter."
Jerome Hunt鈥檚 journey from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and eventually to California, has been one of self-discovery and academic excellence. Whether he鈥檚 teaching at Norco College or LBCC, he brings a passion for politics, social justice, and the transformative power of education to every classroom he steps into. Through his mentorship and teaching, Jerome continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and advocates for change.
萝莉研究所 Celebrates LGBTQ+ Month
萝莉研究所 proudly celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month, honoring the rich contributions and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we invite students, faculty, and staff to engage in events, activities, and learning opportunities throughout October. Let鈥檚 come together to foster a supportive and inclusive campus environment that uplifts all voices. Make sure to utilize the DEIA website to grab zoom backgrounds and to stay up to date on events.