Tiffany Onorato Hughes

Dr. Tiffany Hughes is Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where she provides leadership for the School’s portfolio of 19 master’s programs. An authentic, values-based leader, her ideas and frameworks have influenced practice at both the School and University levels. Known for strengthening teams, she builds trust, creates clarity, and develops structures that enable people and programs to succeed. Since joining SPS in 2017, she has contributed to the development of academic and student-facing infrastructure that supports long-term academic quality and student success. Dr. Hughes brings more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience, with prior roles at Stevens Institute of Technology, CUNY, and SUNY. She holds an Ed.D. from Northeastern University, an M.A. from the University at Buffalo, and a B.A. from Quinnipiac University. She values well-being, time with her family, travel, and summers at the beach.