New “Markers of Success”

Kahlmus Eatman left his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, with sights set on a degree that would be respected everywhere. He originally opted for a major in computer engineering, but time spent isolated in front of a computer left him miserable. This high school valedictorian found himself struggling in classes.

Eatman changed his strategy: “I stopped worrying about grades; about how this class will affect my GPA or look on my transcript. Instead, I started taking classes for the experience of taking the class.” A theater course drew him from his shell, inspiring him to choose theater as a minor. A survey course in economics fascinated him, so he made the discipline his major.

Later, a summer internship on Wall Street showed Eatman that he didn’t want to take the typical path into corporate America. Instead, he wants to use his degree to help the disadvantaged. He and other African-American men at Duke started a program called Black Male Outreach and Education to mentor Durham high school students.

Eatman also has been active with Habitat for Humanity, most recently spending his spring break in New Orleans assisting with the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort and volunteering in Durham. He graduated with a 3.79 GPA despite not gunning for grades and joined Bridgespan Group, a consulting firm for non-profits. “My markers of success are on a totally different level. I don’t have to be rich to feel accomplished.”