Treva Hodges, PhD in Humanities '19

"Academic study in the humanities prepared me for serving as mayor because it cultivated all of the skills I'd need to succeed at a job that demands adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to manage a dynamic organization. Every course I took toward the completion of my degree challenged me to think critically and tested my problem-solving competence which are essential leadership skills. The most accurate way to summarize how my degree has helped me is to say that while I learned facts, history, philosophy, and ethics, I also learned HOW to LEARN. I walked away with the confidence to take on any subject and be the leader that my community needs."

Treva Hodges earned her PhD in Humanities from the University of Louisville in 2019 and has since made history as the first woman elected mayor of Charlestown, Indiana. Since taking office, she has secured more than $32 million in grants and special funding — more than double what the city obtained in the previous 25 years — while earning a Certificate in Advanced City Leadership from Accelerating Indiana Municipalities. She continues to pursue learning as a core part of her leadership philosophy.

Visit Treva Hodges' Site