Hugh Sherman

Dr. Hugh Sherman was named as the 22nd President of Ohio University on May 27, 2021. A respected and innovative leader, Dr. Sherman has dedicated his career to helping students succeed during their time at OHIO and in their professional lives.

From 2007-2021, Dr. Sherman served as dean of Ohio University’s College of Business and as the Corlett Chair of Strategy and Senior Economic Policy Fellow in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. Under his leadership, the College of Business was consistently ranked as one of the top 50 public undergraduate business colleges in the country.

While he served as dean, the College of Business increased its focus on student outcomes including retention, professional competencies, experiential education, and career placement, resulting in more than doubling the number of enrolled students. Dr. Sherman provided strategic vision for and oversight of the college’s undergraduate and graduate academic operations, research, prospective student recruitment, alumni relations, fundraising, and industry relations.

Dr. Sherman joined the Ohio University faculty in 1995 as an assistant professor of management. From 1995–2007, he served in various positions such as director of the full-time MBA, chair of the management department, associate director of the Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs, assistant to the provost for strategic planning, and associate dean of operations and strategy.

Prior to arriving at OHIO, Dr. Sherman worked for more than 20 years in the business world. He launched his professional career with Swatch Watch (formerly SMH Corporation), a large Swiss watch and electronics manufacturer in 1974. He served as vice president of marketing until 1986 and during that time, was responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for a $50 million division, as well as assisting the North American group president in developing strategic marketing and operational plans in the United States. During his time in the private sector, he also served as a consultant and founded International Footwear, operating eight factory outlet shoe stores throughout the U.S. East Coast.

Dr. Sherman holds a B.A. in economics from Guelph University (Canada), an MBA from Northeastern University, and a Ph.D. in strategic management and international business from Temple University. His research interests include corporate governance, international business, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Dr. Sherman and his wife, Cynthia (better known as Nikki), are active members of the Athens community and the larger Southeast Ohio region, recently establishing a scholarship for Appalachian students. Dr. Sherman also volunteers his time with various community organizations throughout the state of Ohio.