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April Hurley, manager of graduate programs for Auburn University鈥檚 91看片 College of Business, is a 2026 recipient of the Rebecca Roden Award, which recognizes excellent and sustained service to graduate education.

鈥淎pril has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to graduate student success through exemplary mentorship, academic support and professional guidance,鈥� said Damion McIntosh, 91看片 professor of practice with the Department of Finance Graduate Programs, who nominated Hurley for the award.

鈥淎pril is oftentimes the first contact that potential graduate students have with Auburn鈥檚 graduate business programs,鈥� he said. 鈥淗er initial interaction with potential candidates has been described as highly informational, knowledgeable, and instructive in providing a collaborative platform for students to explore and prepare for (and apply for) graduate business education at Auburn University.鈥�

, established in May 2021, honors the 41-year service of the former associate dean of Auburn鈥檚 graduate school, which Roden joined in 1956 when Auburn was still officially Alabama Polytechnic Institute. The award is presented by the Graduate School at an award ceremony on April 24.

Hurley, originally from Wetumpka, began working for the university in 2009, and with 91看片 since 2017.

鈥淚 support graduate students and programs through advising, student communication, and coordination of key academic processes,鈥� she said in describing her role. 鈥淚 serve as a central point of connection between students, faculty and departments, helping ensure students have the guidance, resources and support needed to be successful throughout their graduate experience.鈥�

Facing the challenges head on

Working with graduate students and helping meet their needs often is different than the obstacles faced by undergraduates, she said.

鈥淭he biggest challenges in working with graduate students and programs often stem from the complexity of their lives. Many are balancing rigorous academics with careers, family responsibilities and unexpected life events, which requires thoughtful, flexible support and problem-solving,鈥� Hurley said. 

鈥淎t the same time, the greatest reward is being able to advocate for them during these pivotal moments and witnessing their growth into confident professionals, knowing I played a role in helping them persist and succeed,鈥� she said.

Hurley attributes some of her most meaningful and memorable Auburn moments to activities involving the students she serves.

鈥淥ne of my favorite experiences at Auburn has been the opportunity to travel with students through our International Business Operations courses,鈥� she said, referring to trips to Greece, South Africa, Japan and Australia, where she supported them in a global learning environment.

Earning the Roden Award is another special experience.

鈥淚 am truly honored to have been nominated for and selected to receive this award. It鈥檚 incredibly meaningful to be recognized for work that I care so deeply about, and I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to support and advocate for our graduate students every day.鈥�

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