Jeff Hughes

Jeff Hughes—an expert on energy finance, regulation and governance—joined Duke University in August 2025 for an 18-month term as a Climate Leader in Residence. A Pratt School of Engineering alumnus, Hughes has worked in local and state government positions in the utility and environmental field for the past three decades. Most recently, he completed a six-year term on the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission.

Hosted by the Pratt School of Engineering and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Hughes helps develop and refine educational offerings for Duke students interested in energy finance, engineering and governance. He assists faculty in identifying high-impact opportunities to convene professionals across sectors to share knowledge and codevelop solutions for climate challenges.

Read Hughes' appointment announcement →

About Duke’s Climate Leaders in Residence Program

Launched in 2024, the CLIR program leverages leaders’ experience, expertise and networks as they collaborate with Duke faculty and staff on pragmatic climate research and initiatives that could lead to significant change in the near future. They also enrich Duke students’ learning through mentorship, teaching and other activities.

The CLIR program advances the aims of the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research, operations and public service missions to address climate challenges. The program is funded this year by the Presidential Climate Action and Innovation Fund, an endowment established by the Nicholas Family in support of the Duke Climate Commitment. The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability oversees the CLIR program.