Jeff Hughes

Jeff Hughes, M.A., serves as Director of Business Management in Academic Affairs at Kingswood University. With a decade of experience as a youth pastor and founder of global educational ventures, he bridges academic theory with practical business development to equip students for evolving workforce demands.

Education:

• 2006: M.A. in Youth Ministry, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana
• 2000: B.A. in Cross-Cultural Communication, Bethany College of Missions, Bloomington, Minnesota

His professional focus centers on transforming business education through real-world application. Hughes founded Skill Samurai to provide future-ready skills training, which expanded to 30 franchises across 7 countries, and recently launched Amplify Brands to democratize business ownership. His work emphasizes experiential learning in entrepreneurship and franchise management, directly informing his approach to student mentorship.

Through Skill Samurai and Amplify Brands, Hughes creates hands-on business development opportunities for students. His ventures serve as live case studies where students gain practical experience in franchise operations, risk mitigation, and market expansion strategies.