Don Hughes

Spotlight

Don Hughes
Executive Director of the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center

Don Hughes, Executive Director of the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center since 1994, began his career at the College in 1984 at the South Campus where he served as the Director of Student Activities. Before relocating to Florida, Don held positions in residence and student life at a state and then a private college in Buffalo, N.Y. He also served six years as the Director of Student Activities and Cultural Affairs at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, New York. Don graduated from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. then transferred to Buffalo State College where he earned his B.S. in Special Education and an M.S. in Student Personnel Administration. He later earned an A.S. in Business Administration from Jefferson Community College and attended the University of Florida where he studied Higher Education and Educational Leadership.

In his position at the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center, Don is responsible for the academic program, facility development, and management of the 100-acre site. He is the only college administrator based in Nassau County and often represents the College in the community. Don is thankful for the support, commitment, and active involvement of his employees, North Campus staff and faculty, the College administration, members of the District Board of Trustees, and numerous others at the College who interact and support his staff. This teamwork has enabled the development of academic offerings, the construction and maintenance of the permanent facilities, and the ongoing enhancements at the Outdoor Education Center. Nassau County has embraced and supported the College during the last 15 years thanks to the teamwork demonstrated by College employees. Community facility/program partnerships include the Nassau School District, the Nassau County Public Library System, Take Stock in Children, and the Nassau County Economic Development Board.

Don is actively involved with many community organizations including Micah’s Place, the Optimist Club and both local chambers of commerce, among others. He is a past chair of the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of the chamber’s Harry Halley Bow-Tie Award. He has facilitated numerous planning retreats for non-profit organizations as a community service. He is a graduate of the Leadership Nassau Program and the Northeast Florida Regional Leadership Program. College-wide recognitions include the District Board of Trustees Award for Community Service and the Administrative & Professional Collaborative Quality Leadership Award.

Don and his wife Sue recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. Sue, an Outstanding Faculty Award recipient, works at the South Campus where she teaches reading and education classes. Their children, Sarah and Devin, spent many of their early years at College functions before they were old enough to matriculate and earn their A.A. degrees (2001 and 2008). Sarah is a first grade teacher and Devin is a senior theatre major at Flagler College. Don likes fishing, reading, theatre, basketball, and travelling. He also enjoys spending time with his siblings and recently spent a weekend in upstate New York with his 12 brothers and sisters, but that is another story.....

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