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Introduction - Rob Hughes

(@rob-hughes)
Posts: 41
Member
Topic starter
 

Hi everyone, 

 

My name is Rob Hughes and I currently work at The American College of Financial Services as the Assistant Provost for Educational Effectiveness. The College delivers shorter designation programs as well as a Masters Degree in Financial Planning. Iโ€™ve been with The College for 5.5 years and have helped lead major projects including the move to a new Learning Management System and reimagining the way that education is delivered in the CFP/ChFC program.  Iโ€™ve worked in Higher Education for 15 years and, during that time, I have been the lead for two different academic advising teams of about 35 advisors each. Iโ€™ve held the role of Director of Education twice, each time with vastly different responsibilities and goals.

I live in Philadelphia with my wife of 10 years and my daughter who just turned 3. We have 2 dogs and 2 cats and at this stage in our lives, our favorite activity is traveling to see our extended family who are dispersed far and wide up and down the East Coast, from Boston to Tallahassee and many points in between. I attached a picture of everyone but the cats plus my father-in-law and his fiance. I love music and used to play quite a bit in a former life. Iโ€™m still an avid music fan and enjoy finding new bands and listening to old favorites.

Current Leadership Role

In my role, Iโ€™m responsible for a small team of 4 individuals who manage College assessment activities including surveys, exams, and activities that support the continuous improvement efforts in the Academics Department. In addition, I lead various new administrative efforts as they rear their heads throughout the year and navigate the various stakeholder opinions on how those initiatives should be implemented. I am part of The Collegeโ€™s larger strategic team and I sit on the Academicโ€™s Departmentโ€™s Provost Council.

3-year Leadership Aspirations

When my daughter was born 3 years ago, she was born at 24 weeks and we spent a year in the NICU. The past 2 years at home have been a near constant stream of doctors appointments and and therapy sessions. BUT! Today she is strong and healthy, has nearly caught up on all of the developmental delays that she was fighting and she will start pre-school before the yearโ€™s end. All that to say that I have only recently started thinking again about where and what Iโ€™ll be doing in 3 years. Although Iโ€™ve been in Higher Ed for 15 years, I have been considering earning an MBA to make a leap to a different field, perhaps in renewable energy. However, I could also see myself remaining at The College depending on the direction that we chart over the next year. Regardless, this designation seemed like a good first step for either one of those options and I look forward to getting to know each of you better and to learn from all of your experiences.

Current Role Success

This year almost every one of the goals that I set for myself and my department were wiped out due to multiple strategy changes. However, I have a few broad goals that would show that I have made significant contributions to the way The College operates. The first is to develop a process of reporting actionable data to our larger academic teams. Where I think people before me failed was in their ability to tell a story about what our data shows that was compelling enough to make strategic decisions. Another goal that I have is to use my influence to guide the strategy around how The College delivers its programs. Its a relatively broad goal because I think there are many outcomes that would support our students.

This topic was modified 3 months ago by Rob Hughes
 
Posted : November 11, 2024 8:16 pm
(@tracey)
Posts: 40
Member Admin
 

Hi Rob, I am thrilled you are joining us. I know your background will bring much richness to this group. And how wonderful that your daughter has met this major milestone!

I look forward to hearing what you think about this experience and the honor of growing together.

Tracey

 
Posted : November 12, 2024 3:36 pm
(@keithryniakgmail-com)
Posts: 29
Member
 

Hi Rob,

Nice to meet you! Your work at The American College sounds really impactful, especially with projects like the LMS transition and reimagining CFP/ChFC education. And it's inspiring to hear about your daughterโ€™s journeyโ€”glad to hear sheโ€™s doing well! With your goal to shape the strategy around program delivery, how do you balance pushing for new approaches while keeping everyone on board with maintaining quality?

 
Posted : November 12, 2024 7:04 pm
(@jollychialichien-com)
Posts: 31
Member
 

Rob,

I am so glad that we get to be classmates! I always look up to your leadership! Your team does some tremendous work, thanks to your leadership!

Your family picture was outstanding! It's nice to see Lily growing up so quickly! See you soon in person at the holiday party! 

 
Posted : November 14, 2024 6:49 am
(@rob-hughes)
Posts: 41
Member
Topic starter
 

@tracey Thanks for the warm welcome! I really enjoyed class on Wednesday and I'm TRULY looking forward to weekly conversations about leadership. I've heard so much about you and look forward to learning with you!

 
Posted : November 14, 2024 3:53 pm
(@rob-hughes)
Posts: 41
Member
Topic starter
 

@keithryniakgmail-com Thanks Keith, It's been a really exciting 5.5 years for me at The College. Lots of change management, lots of challenges. I enjoy navigating those types of processes so it's been a fulfilling role. Maintaining quality is probably one of the topics that we discuss at The College the most. Balancing program design that combine convenience for busy, working professionals but maintain the necessary rigor is not easy. We are fortunate to have an amazing group of faculty right now who are a good mix of practitioner and scholar. They are helping us to find that balance!

 
Posted : November 14, 2024 4:00 pm
(@rob-hughes)
Posts: 41
Member
Topic starter
 

@jollychialichien-com The feeling is mutual, Chia-Li! When I heard that you'd be in the cohort, signing up was a no-brainer. You might have the toughest job at The College and I'm always in awe of your leadership and poise. Need to take notes from you on your poise ๐Ÿ™‚

 
Posted : November 14, 2024 4:02 pm
(@infoprestiziainsurance-com)
Posts: 42
Member
 

It is a pleasure meeting you Rob.  I am new to the group and I look forward to the continue communication.   

 
Posted : November 14, 2024 7:28 pm
(@pareshshah1gmail-com)
Posts: 20
Member
 

First of all, thank God for your and your daughter's strength and developmental progress.  Thank you for all you do within TAC.  Having taught 8-9 cohorts of CLF I am honored to be part of the program you are an integral part of.  We are here to support the unfoldment of the next chapter of your life.   This program may equip you with what you need to jump right into an alternative career (renewable energy) without having to invest time and money in an MBA.   Great family picture!

Paresh

 
Posted : November 18, 2024 11:42 pm
Rob Hughes reacted