Nichole Hugo

Nichole Hugo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), serving as Hospitality and Tourism Graduate Coordinator and Sustainability Associate Professor at the Center for Clean Energy Research and Education (CENCERE). She holds a PhD in Community Resources and Development and an MS in Tourism and Recreation Management from Arizona State University, alongside a BS in Tourism Development and Management. Her research focuses on destination marketing, sustainability, pro-poor tourism, and clean energy integration in hospitality sectors.

Education includes:

• PhD in Community Resources and Development, Arizona State University (2014)
• MS in Tourism and Recreation Management, Arizona State University (2009)
• BS in Tourism Development and Management, Arizona State University (2008)

Her work bridges tourism economics and environmental stewardship. Recent articles emphasize GIS applications for land use planning, economic revitalization via tourism, and smart home technology usability. Hugo’s certifications include Convention Sales Planning, Illinois FSSMC, and CHIA analytics. She teaches courses like Sustainable Communities and Lodging Operations. Media engagements highlight her contributions to positive peacebuilding and tourism-related policy discussions.