Purdue Global alumnus shares journey of service, sacrifice and success
Meet Kwame Hylton, Purdue Global’s May commencement speaker
Alumnus Kwame Hylton, who has earned two degrees from Purdue Global, delivers his encouraging message to graduates during May commencement ceremonies. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Every day Kwame Hylton makes it his mission to help people with their personal comebacks.
Hylton, who serves as the associate director of admissions in Purdue Global’s Office for Returning Students, has spent the last two decades helping students find their way back to the classroom.
That mission can take on numerous forms, including helping returning students interested in completing their degree, encouraging large groups of people or responding to an email calling for alumni to serve as commencement speakers.
“I felt a profound sense of conviction to act,” Hylton said. “I immediately recognized when I saw that email that my mission aligned with that purpose.”
Hylton saw the opportunity to serve as Purdue Global’s May commencement speaker as a way to encourage those in attendance to complete their own comeback stories.
“I chose Purdue Global because I believe in our programs and what we offer,” Hylton said. “My own comeback story involves me starting, stopping and starting again, all while working in the office that supports these students with the same story.”
For the thousands of graduates earning their degrees and beginning the next stage of their journeys, Hylton hoped his voice would serve as a message of hope and encouragement.
“You are equipped. You are ready. You are not alone,” Hylton said. “So walk boldly into this next chapter.”
How it began
His journey from Port Antonio, Jamaica, to college in the U.S. and to the graduation stage is a testament to the very theme of perseverance he shared with the commencement audience. Hylton wanted the graduates to understand that while they cannot control the circumstances they are born into, they can control the choices they make in response.
“Every trial shapes you. Every obstacle builds you. Life brings you trials. Choose to persevere,” Hylton said.
He pursued a degree alongside his older brother, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Miami International University of Art & Design. But his professional path led him toward higher education administration, where he has spent nearly two decades serving students.
“I did not initially aspire to leadership,” Hylton said. “I sought to support a few individuals in need while I was filling a larger role on an interim basis. During that time, this mindset evolved into a broader commitment to serving those around me.”
Putting in the work
Hylton himself persevered and earned two Purdue Global degrees: a Master of Business Administration in 2015 and a Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation in 2025.
He describes his academic experience at Purdue Global as intellectually rigorous and deeply personal. He credits several faculty members for his success, specifically noting the meticulous attention to detail of Jahna Kahrhoff, who is an assistant dean of curriculum in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Purdue Global Law School.
“She exemplified the highest standards of teaching excellence,” Hylton said. “Her responses were consistently personalized and encouraging, adding meaningful value to every single discussion post.”
His degrees got him to where he is today and have given him the confidence to engage in high-level discussions regarding college affordability, equitable access and student support.
Helping others
His commitment to serve others is ever present. Twice a year, Hylton spends a week volunteering in a Florida men’s prison through a ministry he began serving with in 2018 after hearing a friend’s story about the transformative power of faith and mentorship behind bars.
It was also through this outreach that he met his wife, Rebekah, who also worked with the ministry in a women’s prison. He and Rebekah share four children, three of whom are under the age of 3. Hylton has also served in children’s ministries, both locally and abroad, including mission work in orphanages in Myanmar.
“I love a good redemption story,” Hylton said. “Life has trials, and we must choose to push through and fight through those challenges. We all have that ability, that choice. We all have a reason why we’re doing this, so hold on to that reason.”
About Purdue Global
Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.