In the realm of conservation and environmental leadership, Brandon Hough, MPA’23, stands as a passionate advocate for biodiversity, driven by a commitment to leave the world in a better state for future generations. As the executive director of Homegrown National Park, Hough’s journey from a military background to his current role is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education.
Passion for biodiversity and conservation
Hough’s passions and professions are closely intertwined, particularly in running and conservation. Hough has been an avid distance runner since childhood, with a strong family legacy in running. He even directed the Air Force marathon and owned a running company.
Meeting his wife marked a turning point as she introduced him to hiking, sparking a profound appreciation for biodiversity and conservation. Hough’s conservation efforts are driven by a commitment to leaving a better world for his family.
“I am in love with my wife and our son. Conservation is very much about him, leaving the world hopefully better than I found it,” Hough said. He cites the well-known quote, “We don’t inherit the planet from our parents, we borrow it from our children.”
Elaborating on his commitment, Hough shared, “I never want to have to show my grandchild a picture of a white-eyed vireo and say, ‘I love this bird. It was beautiful. You should have heard it singing! They don’t exist anymore.’ That I just can’t do!”
Earning his Master of Public Affairs degree from O’Neill would allow Hough to successfully turn his personal hobbies and deeply held convictions into a rewarding full-time career.
O’Neill’s Online MPA: The perfect fit
Choosing O’Neill wasn’t arbitrary for Hough; it was a decision rooted in practicality. The online format, high caliber of education, and affordability were the three key factors that drew him to the school. With Hough living in Ohio, Indiana University’s offer of in-state tuition for veterans made the decision even more compelling.
The O’Neill experience
Hough’s O’Neill experience was marked by impactful courses, dedicated professors, and a diverse cohort of classmates.
“There is so much value here,” Hough said. Reflecting on his time, he notes, “It was the first time really since the Air Force Academy where I was like, ‘Damn, I’m surrounded by excellence.’ The students, coming from various professional backgrounds, brought immense value to the discussions. The students were educated and brought a lot to the table.”
Furthermore, the instructors, who are experts in their respective fields, left a lasting impact on him. As Hough puts it, “You’re dealing with teachers that are so brilliant.”
Hough recounts how Professor Vicky Meresky effectively guided him by understanding and acknowledging his interest in natural resource management, steering him in the right direction.
“Dr. Meretsky became my advisor, and I did what I could during the program to be environmentally focused,” Hough said. “I took climate policy, environmental policy, but the fact that Dr. Meretsky was there, the fact that she’s in charge of the MSES program, and she still took on an advisor role with me, because she knew I have a passion for the environment, I think that is the O’Neill spirit.”
Actionable learning
What sets O’Neill apart for Hough is the practicality of the education received. The knowledge gained wasn’t confined to textbooks; it became a tool for shaping strategies in his professional life. Hough emphasizes the continuous value of his course materials, noting that he still references his notes and textbooks to guide the strategies for his organization’s future endeavors.
In addition, being able to refer to his class notes allowed him to confidently structure a grant application. The result? He successfully secured his first grant, a substantial $20,000.
“Here I am applying for grants and I’m still using what I learned, which to me is the most valuable aspect,” Hough said.
Gratefully, it was Professor Vicky Meresky who advised him to enroll in the grant writing course, saying, “Trust me.”
Why the O’Neill School at IU stands out in conservation
Drawing from Hough’s own experience, transitioning from military service to a role in conservation nonprofits, he attributes his success to the program. The school’s name, particularly in the conservation space, carries weight and recognition. In his words, “in this space, O’Neill is a name. It stands out, and many recognize it, making it an asset on your resume.”
Hough’s recommendation
Hough highly recommends the O’Neill Online MPA—it is, in his opinion, the best option available. Hough points out the program’s flexibility, allowing students to complete it in two, three, or even four years. Hough also mentioned flexibility with course work.
“The school provides a diverse range of courses, and if you discover ones outside the program that interest you, the school allows flexibility in transferring two or three courses,” Hough said. “O’Neill works with you, ensuring affordability, especially for veterans like us, and it’s going to arm you with the skills and knowledge you need to break into a new career space.”
From O’Neill to executive director
Hough’s journey came full circle when he landed the role of executive director with Homegrown National Park. Inspired by the books of Doug Tallamy, a renowned figure in conservation, Hough seized the opportunity to contribute actively to native plant conservation.
“The organization I work for is all about planting native plants to restore biodiversity,” Hough said. “But I always tell people, the first job we have is to let the people know that we have a biodiversity crisis, because most people aren’t even aware. It’s so under the radar. No one thinks about bug populations. If they do, they’re usually like, ‘Oh, good! I don’t like bugs,’ not thinking about how important they are. You must explain the issue first and make them aware.”
Hough’s success story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education aligned with passion. As he enthusiastically recounts, “I cannot believe I get paid to talk native plants and conservation with people!”
Hough’s mission to preserve the memory of North American birds
In his leisure time, Hough is currently engrossed in extensive reading about extinction, particularly focusing on human-induced extinction. Taking it a step further, he has delved into the specialized area of bird extinction, specifically concentrating on North American bird species. Gradually, and with a long-term perspective in mind, he is independently working towards the goal of crafting a book that delves into the extinct species of North American birds. At present, he is nearing completion of the initial chapter, which centers around the Labrador duck – America’s first endemic bird to go extinct.
Brandon Hough’s journey from military service to conservation leadership is a testament to the power of aligning one’s passion with education. The O’Neill School played a pivotal role in shaping his career, providing not just theoretical knowledge but actionable skills that continue to drive his success. Hough’s story inspires future leaders to pursue their passions with purpose, making a meaningful impact on the world around them.
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