Michelle Bradsher-McHugh is Program Director for Drexel University’s Television & Media Management Graduate Program. Her dual career path has resulted in extensive knowledge of both the television industry and the field of multiplatform communication strategy.
Michelle spent 14 years in the television news industry, leading newsrooms and field crews as a senior executive producer, line and field producer. She was recognized with a prestigious regional Emmy® Award for her work as a journalist covering the impact of crime in Philadelphia on the city’s youth and families. Michelle is a six-time regional Emmy nominee, having been recognized for her writing, live and breaking news coverage in the fourth largest media market in the U.S. She is most proud of her work with students at Drexel University’s DNews. Under Michelle’s guidance, several students have been nominated for student production awards by the Mid-Atlantic NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) Chapter. In 2019, a DNews piece on the College of Arts & Science’s Story Medicine program with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) was recognized with a NATAS Student Production Award.
Michelle began her television career as an intern at WGHP Television in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro/High Point market in North Carolina and is a steadfast advocate of internships in the industry. She has worked as the 6:00 p.m. newscast producer at KYW-TV and was the 11:00 p.m. newscast and executive producer at WCAU-TV, both in Philadelphia. She serves as a Trustee for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), based in New York and known for recognizing excellence in television with the coveted Emmy ® Award. She is a past president of the Mid-Atlantic NATAS Chapter, and volunteers as the Marketing and Communications Advisor for In His Image International (iHi). Michelle is an avid believer of service, civic engagement, and philanthropy and weaves the importance of each of these throughout curriculum and industry research.
In addition to her work in the television industry, Michelle has led non-profit teams in communications, marketing, and advancement/fundraising since leaving the newsroom in 2008.
Michelle is co-CEO of McH Communications and Content Creation, LLC, a multi-platform communications and production company based in the Philadelphia suburbs. Through her work leading this organization, Michelle collaborates with non-profits and for-profit businesses to create visually appealing content that elevates the organizations’ brands while sharing positive, impactful stories.
Michelle holds a Master's in Interactive Media & Communications from Quinnipiac University and received her undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She has taught at the graduate and undergraduate level, both online and on-campus, for the past decade.
Michelle is Vice Chair of the Westphal College Faculty Caucus, serves as Senator on the Drexel University Faculty Senate, is a member of the Caucus Committee on Academic Affairs (CCAA), and is Secretary of The Westphal College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.
With a LinkedIn profile listing “connector of good”, Michelle has built an expansive and diverse network of professionals from a wide range of fields through the years and is steadfastly committed to connecting those with kind and efficient leadership styles, positive attitudes, attention to detail, and a hard work ethic.
Masters in Interactive Media / Communications, Quinnipiac University; Broadcast Journalism, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Michelle has lead research projects in her role as Trustee for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as in her not-for-profit work, to increase efficiencies within programs and teams and with an acute focus on organizational advancement.
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) - Trustee
Research and event support
Support of annual National Emmy® Awards
Mid-Atlantic NATAS Chapter - Past President
Research, event planning, marketing and communications
Support of annual Regional Emmy® Awards
In His Image International (iHi)
Marketing & Communications Advisor