Who is Dorita Hatchett?

Dorita (or “Dede”) Hatchett, class of 1988, made significant strides in fostering inclusivity and breaking barriers during her time at Southwestern. Her influence extended across multiple facets of campus life for almost a decade, leaving an indelible impression on the University’s history. Her journey as one of the first two African-American women to pledge a sorority at Southwestern underscores her role in paving the way for future students of color and setting precedents for diversity and inclusivity.

Dorita “Dede” Hatchett, class of 1988, made significant strides in fostering inclusivity and leadership during her time at Southwestern University, despite facing many challenges as one of the few Black students (and later staff members) on campus.

Originally from San Antonio, Hatchett attended a large high school and excelled academically, graduating among the top of her class. Initially considering the University of Houston, Hatchett ultimately chose Southwestern after receiving a substantial academic scholarship. While she was unfamiliar with the concept of a liberal arts education and unsure if Southwestern was the best fit, the emphasis on direct faculty-student interaction, combined with Southwestern’s proximity to home, made it a logical choice for her as she would be financing her own education.

Her first introduction to Southwestern, however, was marked by a complicated emotional experience. At her send-off event, hosted significantly at the San Antonio Country Club, Hatchett and her family were confronted with the reality of exclusivity within Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Prior to the event, her family had never been allowed to enter that building at the San Antonio Country Club due to racial segregation.

The fact that this was where her college send-off was being held was both significant and disorienting for Dorita and her family. While her family was deeply emotional about entering the club, the awkwardness and discomfort of being the only Black family in attendance left a lasting impression on Hatchett. This moment, both triumphant and bittersweet, became an early indicator of the complex relationship Hatchett would have with Southwestern and its culture.

Once on campus, Hatchett quickly became involved in multiple facets of student life, but the transition was far from easy. As one of only a few Black students on campus, and often the only Black woman in many of her classes and extracurricular activities, she faced an uphill battle. There were only three other Black students in her freshman class, and by the end of that year, Hatchett was the only one from her original class to continue her education at Southwestern. This sense of isolation persisted throughout her time at the University, even as she sought to carve out a place for herself in a PWI.

Hatchett’s early experiences at Southwestern included her participation in the cheerleading squad and Greek life. In 1985, Hatchett joined Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta), becoming one of the first two Black women, along with Jennifer Cunningham, who pledged Alpha Delta Pi that same semester, to pledge a sorority. While this was a significant achievement, her experience with the sorority rush process revealed the deep racial biases still present at the University.

Hatchett had fully invested in the rush process, forming close bonds with the women in a particular sorority, only to be rejected because of her race. This moment was a painful reminder of the obstacles she would face at Southwestern, but characteristically, it also sparked a sense of resolve.

Unaccepting of the injustice she experienced, Hatchett made sure her voice was heard—advocating for herself and refusing to let the bias go unchallenged. When she later received a bid from Tri Delta, she accepted—not necessarily because she still desired membership, but because she understood that her acceptance would pave the way for future Black women to join.

Hatchett’s experience on campus was punctuated by moments of both adversity and advocacy. A defining incident occurred during Orientation Week when members of the Kappa Alpha Order (KA) rode through campus in full Confederate gear, waving Confederate flags. The sight of this deeply disturbing display prompted Hatchett and a group of Black students to later confront the university administration directly, demanding action. This event became a catalyst for Hatchett’s ongoing advocacy work, as she increasingly found herself speaking out against the racial injustices she and her peers encountered at Southwestern.

Despite such challenges, Hatchett’s involvement in campus life was extensive. She held numerous leadership positions, including roles in Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity, and the Student Foundation. She also served as the student manager for both the men's and women's basketball teams, was an RA for Laura Kuykendall Hall, and an SA (Sophomore Advisor, a position phased out not long after Hatchet’s time here), taking on significant responsibilities in residence life. In her senior year, Hatchett ran for the student representative role on the Board of Trustees, a testament to her commitment to leadership and her desire to influence change within the university.

After graduating in 1988, she agreed to work at Southwestern as the director of the Union Program Council (UPC) and Student Activities. She performed that role until 1991, where she organized campus-wide events and worked to make the campus more inclusive for students. Through these roles, Hatchett drew on her experience as a Black student in a sea of White faces to improve the experience of underrepresented students on campus, organizing events that brought diverse cultural experiences to Southwestern and creating spaces where students of color could feel more at home.

One of Dorita’s initiatives during her time working on campus as an alum was fostering a connection between Southwestern and Huston-Tillotson University, a Historically Black University (HCBU) also with Methodist roots, in Austin. Recognizing the need for Black students at Southwestern to have a social and cultural community, Hatchett organized exchanges between the two schools, allowing Black students at Southwestern to connect with their peers at Huston-Tillotson. These efforts not only provided Black students with a sense of belonging but also helped to bridge the cultural divide on Southwestern’s predominantly white campus.

Beyond her time at Southwestern, Hatchett continued to make significant contributions to her community and profession. She founded D.L. Hatchett & Associates, LLC, a company providing strategic planning and event management services. Her expertise in community engagement and event management has earned her national recognition, including serving as the Senior Director of Community Relations for the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four Houston Local Organizing Committee (HLOC).

In 2022, Hatchett was recognized as one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, highlighting her remarkable leadership and dedication to inspiring future leaders. Her extensive career includes significant roles such as those with the Super Bowl LVI, Harris County Flood Control District, and the METRORail Expansion in Houston.

While Hatchett acknowledges that her time at Southwestern did have its difficulties, she also credits the University with shaping her into the person she is today. She reflects on her experience with a sense of pragmatism, recognizing that while the institution presented many challenges, it also provided her with opportunities for growth and development. Hatchett’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to leaving every place she’s been better than she found it, making a lasting impact on the communities she’s served.

Hatchett is hopeful that projects like Placing Memory and the ongoing efforts of current students engaged in activism will continue to push Southwestern toward meaningful change. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding them that persistence in the face of adversity can lead to lasting impact.

Hatchett advises students to support each other and to stand up for what’s right, whether that means standing up for someone, with someone, or behind someone. She emphasizes that speaking up takes energy, but encourages students to advocate for themselves—especially when something is affecting them—because even small actions may lead to change over time.

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