Long before she became a professor with years of experience in communications and journalism in over 10 different countries, Dr. Katherine Chute was just a six-year-old girl who fell head over heels in love with reading. Young Chute’s main goal was to learn as many words as possible, so she could read any book she wanted.
Over the years, her passion for a good story intensified—leading her to start her own library and a subscription-based newspaper at age nine. At 12, she began writing novels with her friends. Chute’s love of reading and writing has been a constant in her life, and it led her to join Palm Beach Atlantic University as a full-time faculty member. Since then she has served as the Chair of the Department of Communication, Journalism and Public Relations and Associate Dean until Aug. 16, 2025. In all these roles, she has helped the next generation of professionals cultivate their talents—whether as broadcasters, public relations practitioners, or writers.
A Faith-based Mission
Chute was drawn to PBA because of how the university encourages students to prioritize their faith and follow their professional callings according to God’s will.
This sense of a faith-based mission has heavily influenced her professional life. An example of this is how she knew, even as a child, that she was being called into missions. When she met her husband Dr. Michael Chute, who is also an adjunct communication professor at PBA, he had a different vision for his life. However, she trusted that the Lord would reconcile their callings if she were truly meant to be in missions.
After a decade of waiting, Michael also felt the call toward missions. God provided the couple an opportunity to work as writers for the International Mission Board. In this role, they captured the fantastic work and revival happening across Latin America. They first moved to Brazil before being transferred to Asia, setting up their home base in Taiwan and later Hong Kong. No matter where they were stationed, they continued to create content that highlighted God’s grace in action.
Bringing the Mission Home
“Communication is everywhere and important to every function in life, whether it is communicating professionally or communicating on a personal level. It is so important to be able to be effective in that communication,” expresses Chute, who is also chair of PBA’s Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations. “Much of the media we are exposed to has a secular angle, so that Christian perspective is tremendously important. That’s why I have been teaching at PBA—to affect those Christian communicators who can truly influence their world.”
Chute believes college is a crucial time in the lives of young people, as it exposes and challenges them to make decisions vital to their future. Her hope for PBA students is that they will lean on their faith when making those decisions. This perfectly aligns with one of the passages that has significantly influenced Chute’s life, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
As a professor and advisor at PBA, Chute has done her best to use her role to help students along their academic, professional, and spiritual journeys.
Now, as she enters retirement, she will continue to follow Christ’s calling. Her current plans include spending time with family, continuing to work on her novels, painting, and working with stained glass. She encourages students to also keep their focus on God—no matter where life takes them.“Above all, stay grounded in your faith. That foundation will be important all through your life.”
For more information about PBA’s communication, journalism, and public relations programs, click here.
