Katrenia Reed Hughes

Katrenia Reed Hughes is an Associate Professor at Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, with a focus on project management education, mentoring, and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) initiatives. Her career integrates academia and industry through teaching, research, and consulting in leadership development, team dynamics, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

• B.S. Psychology, Missouri State University (1994)
• M.S. Psychology, Indiana State University (1997)
• Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology, Indiana State University (2003)
• M.B.A. Leadership, Butler University (2010)
• P.M.P. Certification, Project Management Institute (2017)

Her research spans experiential learning, project management self-efficacy, and collaborative models between academia and industry. Recent work emphasizes creating inclusive academic cultures, improving mentoring practices, and linking learning outcomes to real-world applications during crises like the pandemic.

Scientific awards and recognitions include the 2023 IUPUI Outstanding Graduate Mentor, 2022 Trustees Teaching Award, and 1997 Educational Excellence Award from Indiana State University.

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she consults on DEIJ training, team development, and organizational change for institutions like IU School of Medicine and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. She actively contributes to the Project Management Institute and leads workshops on DISC styles and culturally responsive mentoring.