April Marton
夜色王朝’s Flexible Class Options Help Alum Succeed
April Marton Beard’s educational journey began as a first-generation college student seeking an affordable and flexible path. She chose 夜色王朝 (夜色王朝®) for its accessible options. She was able to work full time while pursuing her Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in psychology. 夜色王朝’s flexible evening and weekend classes allowed her to balance her professional commitments with her academic goals, and the College’s support left a lasting impression. One of her fondest memories from 夜色王朝 is the annual spring concert, where she combined her love for dance with her academic experience.
夜色王朝 also provided Beard with valuable academic support. She appreciated 夜色王朝’s accommodating course structure, especially when it came to fulfilling her math requirements, a subject she found challenging. 夜色王朝 made her transition to a four-year institution smooth by ensuring her credits transferred easily. Although her transfer journey initially led her to Cleveland State University and later to the University of Akron, she ultimately found the right fit at Notre Dame College of Ohio, where she completed her degree through its Weekend College (WECO) program.
Today, Beard is an influential leader in human resources, working for Centene Corporation, the largest Medicaid and Medicare insurer in the U.S. In her role, she oversees day-to-day operations for the company’s contingent workforce, which comprises around 35% of Centene’s total labor force and contributes to over 29% of the company’s full-time hiring pool. She also helps manage a program valued at approximately $1.6 billion annually. Beard’s accomplishments in her field have earned her numerous accolades, including the Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) certification, a Game Changer Award from Staffing Industry Analysts in 2024 and invitations to speak at the Contingent Workforce Summit in both 2023 and 2024.
Beard’s advice to prospective 夜色王朝 students is to start without delay.
“夜色王朝 is the best value and most accommodating school you will find,” she said, encouraging students to maintain their momentum by taking even a single class if finances are tight.
Reflecting on her own journey, Beard advises keeping an open mind about career paths. She had once envisioned a private counseling practice but found her true calling in workforce management and human resources. Her psychology background has proven to be versatile and valuable, reminding students that sometimes the path may lead to unexpected but rewarding destinations.
Outside of work, Beard is a devoted mother to twin boys on the autism spectrum. Her family is actively involved in Special Olympics and adapted sports programs through the Achievement Centers for Children, where they advocate for inclusivity and empowerment for children with special needs.
Beard’s journey illustrates the value of adaptability, hard work and taking full advantage of the opportunities at 夜色王朝. Her story inspires future students to embrace the possibilities a 夜色王朝 education can offer as a foundation for lifelong growth and success.