Faculty Profile: Kyle Thompson

Kyle Thompson has been at Harvey Mudd for nine years, first as a philosophy professor and now as director of learning programs. He works with faculty and students to support writing education and STEM tutoring on campus. At the Writing Center and in the Academic Excellence Program, student tutors offer Socratic-style guidance to fellow Mudders, encourage them to collaborate in their learning and create inviting study spaces where they can get classwork done. In Writ1, the academic writing course that incoming Mudders take, faculty from various departments work together to teach students writing and critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their time at Mudd and beyond. Get to know Kyle in this Q-and-A.

What is your favorite part about your job and why?

Working with our students. They are all so thoughtful, bright, wholesome, curious, optimistic and creative. They all want to do good in the world, and it is amazing what they can accomplish when we stand back and let them shine. At times, I can feel pessimistic about the world, society, my email inbox, etc. But after meeting with students or teaching a class, I’m genuinely always uplifted.

What is something people don’t understand about your job that you wish they did?

People sometimes hear “writing center” and think we are here to fix your grammar. In fact, we spend little time focused on grammar—there are much bigger fish to fry! Rather, our tutors help their fellow students by asking them probing questions about their arguments, their evidence, the expectations of their audiences and the logical structures of their essays. The best way to benefit from the writing center is to sign up early and often during a project, as early as the brainstorming phase. Clarity is in the eye of the reader, so there’s no replacement for peer review. Even my present answers in this interview have undergone peer review!

If you could swap jobs with any other HMC employee for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d love to swap with someone in our CIS staff so that I could gain an even deeper appreciation of the amazing support they offer the campus community. I’ll confess: CIS is the friend I only call up when I need something! The CIS staff are so friendly and competent, and I know they have so much experience I could learn from.

If you could add anything to campus to improve the employee experience, what would it be?

I wish we all had just a bit more time to connect with students, faculty and staff. I love chatting over coffee or lunch about life, writing, philosophy, music, film, politics, why AI’s lack of understanding makes it a threat to human learning when it is treated as a source of knowledge or as a writing coach, etc. Is anyone at Mudd doing research on how to create one more hour in a day?

What’s your favorite food/dish in the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Hall?

Fernando’s sauce on everything! Also, the chiles rellenos are the best!

What HMC events have made you feel really connected to other HMC colleagues?

New faculty orientation 2024 was amazing! Even though I’m not new to Mudd, I attended because of my new role as director of learning programs. I met so many wonderful colleagues, and I learned many new ways I can thrive at Mudd. Did you know there’s a modest financial incentive for biking to work?!

What is your favorite hobby, activity or creative outlet?

Music. I love playing guitar, drums (sorry neighbors!), bass or whatever else is around. The one instrument I can’t make sense of is the voice, so I especially enjoy playing music with my wife, who is an exceptional singer and musician.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you, either in life or at work?

Wendy Menefee-Libey, Mudd’s previous director of learning programs, wasn’t one to offer advice in the form of aphorisms. Rather, she embodied traits, values and practices that have inspired me to be a better teacher, student advocate and writer.

What is your most effective strategy for dealing with stress?

I’ve recently been bitten by the indoor rock-climbing bug. It is such a physically and spiritually rejuvenating activity. There’s something so inspiring about being forty feet off the ground, struggling to keep your grip on the wall, wanting nothing more than to let go, but nonetheless reaching up to grab the next hold, only to discover that you found the strength to climb higher. The symbolism is all right there.

What book or podcast are you enjoying right now?

The Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000 podcast. I’ve found much needed catharsis in this podcast, which is co-hosted by our upcoming Nelson series speaker Emily Bender. In essence, she and Alex Hanna take on the hype surrounding AI, offering substantive arguments and jokes to support their perspectives.

What is the last concert you attended?

A solo concert with Jessica Vosk, an amazing broadway singer with unparalleled pipes and charisma! Let’s just say her performance was Wicked!