By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Kurtrina Lundy, APU Graduate
American Public University (APU) alumna Kurtrina Lundy has a talent for forming human connections. This talent has played a large part in her work in human resources; she currently works as a benefits administrator and systems analyst for Glenmede.
Pursuing Online Education
Prior to attending APU, Kurtrina attended several universities in Brooklyn, working a full-time job, taking care of family responsibilities and rushing over to attend college classes. Looking for relief from the chaotic schedule, Kurtrina decided it was time for a change.
After speaking with her cousin who also graduated from APU, Kurtrina decided to seek APU’s online master’s degree in management. The program was affordable and flexible, and her cousin also mentioned the caring nature of the professors.
Entering the Human Resources Field
“What drew me into my current career field is my passion for technology and the love of listening and helping people,” Kurtrina says.
Kurtrina got into the human resources field through an internship with the human resources department of the American Management Association (AMA). Later, she was hired as the AMA’s Human Resource Coordinator. Since then, Kurtrina has worked her way from one human resources role to another across different industries.
“Human resources is important to me because anytime I’m able to listen and provide a solution, then I feel I have done my job. Human resources is the voice of the stakeholders. So if you can improve the employee experience, then an organization is moving in the right direction,” Kurtrina adds.
Striving to be a Role Model and Inspirational Mother
“My greatest professional accomplishment was graduating with honors from APU with my master’s,” Kurtrina says. She is also proud to be among the family members who have earned master’s degrees.
“I want to be the best mom and mentor for my daughter, and a role model not just for her but other young girls across the globe. I also want to serve as an example that you can walk into rooms not built for us but show up having a voice to express change, value, and leadership,” she notes.
Advice to Other Human Resources Students
For college students who plan to seek job opportunities in the human resources field, Katrina suggests starting out with an internship to get a feel for the profession. She says, “It takes a lot of patience to deal with stakeholders and listen to their concerns daily. Make sure working in human resources is something you want to pursue long-term.”
Staying Connected with the University
In addition to her work in human resources, Kurtrina also stays connected with the University community. She currently serves as the secretary for the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC), handling recordkeeping, event management and communications. In addition, she is a member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council at the University.
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 15 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.
If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.
