Cheryl K. Hughes

Cheryl K. Hughes serves as Senior Lecturer at Indiana University's Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, specializing in human resource management for for-profit and nonprofit sectors since joining as an adjunct professor in 2009. With over 18 years of professional HR experience across government, healthcare, and corporate environments, she bridges academic theory with practical industry application.

Her educational credentials include:

• M.B.A. in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University (2002)
• B.S. in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University (1999)

Her research concentrates on public sector human resource systems, diversity initiatives, and leadership development frameworks, reflected in courses like Public Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and Recruitment and Talent Acquisition. She emphasizes practical skill development through real-world case studies in governmental and nonprofit contexts.

Dr. Hughes' exceptional teaching has earned these distinctions:

• Three-time recipient of university-wide teaching honors including the Trustees Teaching Award (2013)
• Multiple O'Neill School-specific awards recognizing undergraduate instruction impact
• Professional society recognition for volunteer leadership and student mentorship

She actively advises the IU student chapter of the Human Resources Association while maintaining industry engagement through career transition coaching. Her professional background spans critical sectors including U.S. defense, homeland security, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical manufacturing with organizations like CACI and Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions.