Cheryl Hughes

Cheryl Hughes is a Senior Lecturer in the Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington, specializing in human resource management in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She holds an M.B.A. in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University (2002) and a B.S. in Business Administration from the same institution (1999). With more than 18 years of human resource and managerial experience, Hughes previously worked for the greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions, and CACI, a professional services and information technology company supporting U.S. government branches in defense, homeland security, intelligence, and healthcare. She joined the O'Neill School as an adjunct professor in 2009 and has developed a strong reputation for excellence in undergraduate instruction, particularly in human resource management, training, and development.

Hughes' academic interests encompass talent management, organizational development, training and development, talent acquisition, and leadership and management coaching. She serves as faculty advisor for the Indiana University student chapter of the Human Resources Association and delivers career transition services through one-on-one coaching and group workshops. Her professional service includes roles as a board member for the Indiana State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (2017-2019), President of the South Central Indiana Human Resources Association, and member of Indiana University's Diversity Committee and Mediation Committee. These contributions have enhanced organizational leadership and diversity initiatives within the university and beyond.

Hughes has earned numerous awards for her teaching and leadership, including the 2026 Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award, the 2013 Trustees Teaching Award, the 2013 Dean's Most Influential Professor Award, the 2012 O'Neill Teaching Award for Undergraduate Instruction, the 2015 Volunteer Leader of the Year from the Indiana State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, the inaugural 2015 Beyond SPEA Award (O'Neill Student Choice Awards), and the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Society of Leadership and Success, with honorary membership induction. Her impact underscores her dedication to student success and professional preparation in public affairs.

Professional Email: ckhughes@iu.edu