KGI 2025 Volunteer Service Award Recipient
For more than two decades, Hutch Humphreys, 鈥�03 MBS, has been a steadfast presence in the 蘑菇视频 Institute (KGI) community, offering guidance, teaching, and mentorship to generations of students. His enduring commitment to the Institute earned him the Volunteer Service Award at last month鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Awards celebration, honoring graduates whose contributions continue to shape KGI鈥檚 mission to advance healthcare and the life sciences.
His relationship with KGI began as part of the Institute鈥檚 second graduating class, when the Masters in Bioscience (now the Master of Science and Business in Biotechnology (MBS) program was the only offering. From his earliest days on campus, he helped build a sense of community through student government. He has continued that spirit of service long after graduation.
鈥淭here are all kinds of opportunities for staying engaged, and I鈥檝e taken advantage of several of them,鈥� he said.
Building Bridges Between Industry and Academia
Humphreys earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kansas and spent five years as a nuclear-trained submarine officer in the U.S. Navy.
Throughout his career, Humphreys has worked in regulatory affairs, a field focused on ensuring that medical products are developed, tested, and approved in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international standards. Regulatory professionals act as a bridge between science, government, and patients, translating laboratory discoveries into safe, effective therapies.
Today, Humphreys serves as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance at Endeavor Biomedicines, a clinical-stage biotech company in San Diego developing targeted therapies for serious conditions, with an initial focus on fibrotic lung disease.
Before joining Endeavor, he held senior regulatory roles at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Samumed, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, and Therapeutics, Inc., contributing to programs across oncology, metabolism, and respiratory medicine. His expertise spans every stage of product development, from early clinical research through post-approval management.
Humphreys credits KGI with preparing him to navigate the fast-paced, collaborative environment of the biotech industry.
鈥淭he interaction with industry from the start of your time at KGI plays a big role,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen students leave, they鈥檙e more confident engaging with the professionals who will be their peers throughout their careers.鈥�
He adds that KGI鈥檚 emphasis on teamwork gave him a lasting advantage.
鈥淣early everything you do outside academia happens in a team,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou see a lot of people struggle with that, but KGI students have practiced it from day one, so it becomes second nature once they enter industry.鈥�
Staying Engaged, Giving Back
Humphreys鈥� connection to KGI has only deepened over time. He has served on the Riggs School Advisory Board for more than a decade, teaches a course on current issues in regulatory affairs, and regularly offers to students and alumni.
鈥淚t鈥檚 cool to be involved from the beginning,鈥� Humphreys said. 鈥淜GI has always been open to letting others help shape the school鈥檚 evolution. If I鈥檇 gone to a more established institution, I would mostly be a number and a potential donor. At KGI, I鈥檓 a donor, but I鈥檓 also someone who feels heard, which makes you feel like a real part of the process.鈥�
That sense of connection, he added, is what makes KGI special.
鈥淭he engagement you get from faculty, staff, and administration makes your experience at KGI far more valuable than what you鈥檇 find at a bigger institution that assumes it already knows what students need,鈥� he said. 鈥淜GI listens, so you have a chance to influence how the school grows 鈥� and how you grow with it.鈥�
A Model of Lifelong Commitment
Humphreys鈥� service extends far beyond the classroom. Over the years, he has volunteered his time to strengthen KGI鈥檚 alumni network, connect students with mentors, and expand professional opportunities. His generosity as a donor has also helped sustain scholarships and initiatives that open doors for future students.
That long-term dedication is what makes his recognition especially fitting.
鈥淚t means a lot to me,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eing part of KGI from the early days and seeing how far it鈥檚 come is something I鈥檓 proud of.鈥�
Whether through teaching, mentoring, or advising, Humphreys continues to exemplify the collaborative spirit that defines KGI. His leadership reminds the entire community that impact isn鈥檛 measured only by professional success, but by the time and care invested in others.