Get to Know Blackhawk’s Al Hulick, Business Management Instructor

Welcome to our “Get to Know Blackhawk” series, which uses a Q&A format to showcase the diverse and talented individuals within the college community.

What is your name and where did you grow up?

My name is Al Hulick. I grew up in Janesville and have lived in Rock County most of my life.

What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?

I am a full-time instructor in the Business Division but have taught as an adjunct for the last few years.

What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?

For the past 20+ years, I have worked in Economic Development and Local Government. Prior to that, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from UW-Whitewater and my Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. 

Is there something that drew you to this career?

I have always viewed education as the key to nearly every success in life. Additionally, during my career in local government, I found that public education was key to understanding why and how government exists and what its role is in society and daily life.

What skills do you possess that you believe will help you in this position?

I enjoy meeting new people and learning from people, sharing my knowledge and being part of the solution. 

What is something Blackhawk offers that you feel other colleges do not?

Real-life, down-to-earth, local perspectives. I believe a lot of larger colleges and universities may be out of touch with what is happening in the “real world.”  Whereas BTC is actively engaged with the local economy and local leaders to better prepare our students for an immediate impact on our future.

What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?

Outside of BTC, I have two young boys (5 and 7) an amazing wife, and five pets. Yes, five pets. They all keep me very busy building and living our lives together. I also spent time on the United Way Blackhawk Region Board, the Community Action Board, and was a Special Olympics coach. My goal is to make a better future for my community and my family.

Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.

It depends on who you ask, but some folks are shocked that I was a regular traveling musician for nearly a decade in my 20s and 30s.

What is your favorite movie?

“Grumpy Old Men”

What is your favorite quote?

“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans” - John Lennon.

What would be your dream car to own?

I’m not a car guy, but I guess if I had to pick one, it would be the DeLorean from “Back to the Future.”

What's one song that must always be on your playlist?

This is too difficult for me to answer. Music is as big of a part of my daily life as water and air. Music can make you think, change your mind, change your mood, change your soul.

Who is your favorite Muppet?

I love “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” so I would go with Gonzo as Charles Dickens.

What is your dream vacation destination?

I have been to Hawaii twice but would love to go there again with my wife.

If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?

My Grandmother Arlene

What/who is your favorite sports team or pro athlete?

I’m a big Brewers and Packers fan. I try not to affix myself to a specific person/athlete, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Robin Yount.

If you could be any TV character, who would you choose and why?

Jerry Seinfeld. Living in NYC, being a stand-up comedian, and living a rather carefree life would be pretty nice.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

I would choose to remove other people’s pain. Either physical or emotional.

What is your favorite book or who is your favorite author?

I read A LOT of books. My favorite may still be Victor Frankl’s “A Meaning of Life.” My favorite author is probably John Steinbeck or Charles Portis.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Bacon Cheeseburger