Strategy & Operational Improvement
Turning business needs, organizational data, and performance trends into clear priorities and executable recommendations.
Strategy · Leadership · Education
Helping organizations turn insight into meaningful improvement.
I’m Dr. Richard J. Hudnett—an educator, business leader, and strategic advisor with more than two decades of experience across higher education, analytics, organizational leadership, sales, and marketing.
Dr. Richard J. Hudnett
Strategic Advisor · Educator · Business Leader
20+Years across business and education
1,000+Professional workshop participants
#1National sales ranking at DHL
2009Start of Nova Southeastern tenure
A practical point of view
Experience that connects strategy, people, and performance.
My career has moved across classrooms, executive conversations, operational teams, community boards, and competitive sales environments. That range has shaped how I approach every challenge.
I believe improvement starts with understanding the people, systems, and decisions behind the numbers. From building performance reporting and interpreting organizational trends to developing partnerships and teaching future leaders, my work has focused on making complex issues clearer and helping people move forward with confidence.
Today, I bring that perspective to organizations and leaders seeking practical insight, thoughtful strategy, and a collaborative partner.
Areas of focus
Where experience becomes useful.
My background brings together institutional leadership, business development, analytics, teaching, and organizational improvement.
Higher Education & Enrollment
Improving the student experience through stronger communication, personalized engagement, reporting, and informed program decisions.
Leadership & Workforce Development
Developing people through teaching, professional workshops, practical leadership frameworks, and cross-functional collaboration.
Growth & Partnerships
Building trusted relationships, identifying opportunities, and connecting sales, marketing, and stakeholder needs to measurable growth.
Professional experience
A career built across education and industry.
The common thread is a focus on understanding needs, building relationships, and improving outcomes.
2009–Present
Nova Southeastern University
Senior Associate Director
Partners with university leaders on strategic projects, performance analysis, reporting standards, operational improvement, and community relationships. Developed business certification workshops that attracted more than 1,000 participants.
2018–Present
Higher Education Faculty
Professor | Management, Leadership & Marketing
Has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, human resources, operations, marketing, entrepreneurship, customer relationships, organizational behavior, and professional development.
2007–2009
DHL Express & UPS
Account Representative
Built new business, expanded customer relationships, and used performance data to shape sales strategy. Ranked first nationally at DHL in July 2008 and generated 24 new UPS business accounts in the first quarter of 2009.
2003–2007
Ecolab & Reebok International
Sales, Operations & Marketing
Advised customers on operational efficiency, sanitation, safety, and training while also developing marketing programs, sales growth strategies, and brand-building initiatives.
Education
Scholarship grounded in real-world practice.
Richard combines doctoral research and graduate business education with years of hands-on leadership and commercial experience.
Doctor of Education
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Business Administration
Nova Southeastern University
Graduate Certificate, Organizational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Graduate Certificate, Marketing
Nova Southeastern University
B.S., Business Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Selected ideas
Research and perspectives on the learner experience.
Interview
Leveraging Technology to Personalize the Student Experience
How data and digital tools can help institutions better understand and serve modern learners.
Read article ArticleUsing Mobile Tools to Improve Student Engagement
A practical look at meeting students where they are through thoughtful mobile engagement.
Read article ArticleMind the Gap: Why Students Don’t Enroll
Understanding the decision points and experiences that shape enrollment outcomes.
Read article Doctoral researchUnderstanding the Admissions Experience of Admitted Students Who Fail to Enroll
A multiple-case study examining communication, financial aid, personalization, and enrollment decisions.
View researchCommunity leadership
Contributing beyond the organization.
Central Florida Higher Education Alliance
Board Member · 2014–2019
Central Florida Jobs Initiative
Advisory Board Member · 2016–2018
Let’s work together
Ready to explore what improvement could look like?
If you’re considering a strategic initiative, advisory relationship, speaking engagement, or education partnership, I’d welcome the conversation.