James L. Hughes MBA

James L. Hughes MBA

Senior Vice President and Chief Enterprise and Economic Development Officer, University of Maryland, Baltimore

James L. Hughes leads the University of Maryland, Baltimore Office of Research and Development, the school’s unit for advancing research, technology commercialization and economic development. He is also president of Health Science Research Park Corp., which manages the 14-acre University of Maryland BioPark.

What is the biggest challenge facing higher education?

UMB’s biggest challenge is leveraging its excellence in education, research, clinical care and service to help Baltimore be a vibrant city that provides opportunities for all its residents. Working as a trusted partner with diverse stakeholders, UMB needs to address the disparities that hold communities back and support innovations that move Baltimore forward.

What is the most encouraging new development in higher education?

UMB’s researchers, clinicians, social workers, and lawyers were on the frontlines responding to the global pandemic and the social and economic disruptions of the last several years. These challenges have accelerated change at UMB. We’re more ambitious and acting with greater urgency than before. At a time when some might retrench, we are moving forward with multiple major initiatives, including expanding the UMB BioPark and launching a new Institute for Health Computing in Montgomery County.

What do you do to unwind?

I enjoy Maryland’s State Parks and Baltimore’s amazing live music and theater. I’m always engaged in multiple home improvement and self-improvement projects. Most of all, I enjoy gathering with family in the evening and talking about the things we each did that day.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Higher Education Power List for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.