Dr. Andy Hughes is a pioneer both in the commercial and academic sectors of managing high-speed change and innovation. After a 30-year career in business, two years ago he became Dean of the one of the largest business schools at a Christian university in the US. Dr. Hughes will be speaking at all three ELO Forums: Winnipeg on Oct 21st, Vancouver on Nov 4th and Toronto on Nov 18th.

TOPIC & DESCRIPTION

Dr. Hughes will be speaking on “Surfing the Waves of Change: Thoughts from a Man who can't Swim.”

Dr. Hughes notes that leaders need to forget about change management models as we live in a world where change is constant more like ocean waves. Some are bigger and some are smaller—but we need to learn to ride the waves without drowning. Change is coming at an accelerating pace in various forms from AI, new emerging technologies and ruptures in the global economy. The bottom line: we need to stop managing change and learn how to surf the waves of change. 

Dr. Hughes will examine artificial intelligence, separate hype from reality and equip leaders with practical tools to implement AI responsibly and effectively. Attendees will understand why AI3 matters now and grasp the strategic forces shaping industries. In addition, they will be able to distinguish fact from fiction and gain practical tools for responsible implementation grounded in accountability and long-term impact.

DR. HUGHES BACKGROUND

Dr Hughes is Dean, IWU DeVoe School of Business, Technology & Leadership, IWU – National & Global, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. IWU has both in-person students and a large online program for a total of over 15,000 students of which 6,000 are in the DeVoe School.

Prior to his appointment as Dean in 2024, where he has served as the Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President of Automotive/Member Experience Club AAA Hoosier Motor Club.  As chief innovation officer of the 450,000-member central Indiana automobile association, Hughes helped spearhead strategy and innovations, including the launch of a mobile tire replacement program, a text-alert partnership that warns drivers of upcoming roadside repairs underway, and employee training and professional development. Hughes worked for 30 years at AAA, where during his tenure he helped lead a 100% increase in business line revenue and improved customer-service rankings.

He holds a DBA from IWU and was a member of the first graduating class of DBA students. He holds a Master of Organizational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University and a BS in Organizational Management from the University of Arizona Global. Dr. Hughes is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, where he has served churches in Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana. He currently serves the Indianapolis District of the Nazarene Church as a strategy consultant. Dr. Hughes and his wife Becky have two adult children and reside in Westfield, IN.

INNOVATION AT IWU: AI3 SUMMIT

Under Dr. Hughes’ leadership, IWU’s DeVoe School of Business, Technology and Leadership (DeVoe) hosted an AI3 Summit this past March 13th. As a Christ-centered academic community committed to developing leaders of character and scholarship, IWU believes innovation must be guided by integrity, wisdom and a responsibility to serve others. The summit brought together business leaders across industries, executive pastors, educators, and government and community leaders to explore practical approaches to AI adoption that drive meaningful organizational impact and ethical innovation.

"The IWU DeVoe AI3 Summit brings together intelligence, integrity and investment to shape what's next," said Dr. Hughes. "We are elevating AI from basic automation to coordinated systems that drive measurable return on investment while maintaining ethical, responsible use. At the AI3 Summit, attendees learned how to scale AI with clarity, confidence and accountability."

The AI3 Summit reflected IWU and DeVoe's commitment to fostering innovation that is both cutting-edge and Christ-centered, developing leaders who combine technical excellence with integrity, courage and a commitment to the common good.

INNOVATION AT IWU: EMBA & ELO OXFORD

A separate initiative is that in 2025 IWU launched an AI-powered Executive MBA (EMBA) (EMBA) program designed for senior managers, experienced leaders, and aspiring C-suite executives. This 30-credit-hour program integrates business, technology, AI, and leadership through a combination of practical application and faith-based learning.

The degree can be completed in less than 18 months. The program is primarily online but includes optional in-person sessions in Indianapolis, with livestreaming available for those who cannot attend.

The EMBAi’s curriculum emphasizes gaining efficiencies through AI, with embedded AI tools integrated into course content to support learning. A key feature of the program is participation in the week-long ELO Oxford Leadership Program in Oxford, England. Dr. Hughes was also an instructor at the ELO Oxford Leadership Program in 2025, speaking in a panel on AI. Learn more in our blog post HERE.

Interested in attending the ELO Forums?