Barbara Hughes
Biography
Barbara Hughes earned her MSW at Michigan State University with a Concentration in Administration and Program Evaluation. Upon graduation Hughes gained valuable practice experience in non-profit program management and development. She had a fortuitous opportunity to join the ranks of legislative staff with the Michigan Legislature. Beginning as a Committee Clerk and ending as a Chief of Staff to a Detroit Senator, Hughes accrued 11 years of legislative experience that informs her practice. During this time, she was a key contributor to the passage of the Social Work licensure act which remains in effect to this day. Constituent relations and legislative advocacy were her primary foci. In 2004 Dr. Hughes enrolled in a PhD program with Michigan State University where she focused on mutual support in the lives of people with schizophrenia. She also gained invaluable training in practicum education. She went on to be the Director of Field Education for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, returning to Michigan as the Program and Field Director for the Social Work program at Madonna University in Livonia, and has served in multiple roles within practicum education with several universities. She continues to teach for the School of Social Work with an emphasis on social welfare, policy and advocacy.
Responsibilities
Hughes is currently the Assistant to the Director of Practicum where her primary responsibility lies in supporting Foundation Year MSW students secure their practicum placement. She also serves as a liaison to the Practicum Instructors and coordinates the program’s orientations, seminars, and information sessions.
Degrees and Certifications
- PhD, Michigan State University (2004)
- MSW, Michigan State University (1984)
- BSW, Michigan State University (1982)
Teaching Interests
- Social Welfare Policy
- Practicum Education
- Macro Practice
Pronouns
she/her/hers
Courses taught by Barbara Hughes
Winter Term 2025 (future)
- SW7720 - Social Policy and Advocacy
- SW8085 - Theories and Practice of Social Policy and Social Action
Fall Term 2024
- SW3710 - Social Welfare and the Social Work Profession: History, Trends and Basic Concepts
- SW7680 - Human Rights, Social Justice, and Diversity in an Urban Context