A graduate degree in HR just made sense for Allison Steele Hicks

Allison Steele Hicks has always been passionate about people and service. As a result, earning her master’s degree in human resource management just made sense to her. And the School of Professional and Continuing Studies’ focus on adult learners was an added benefit.

“The flexibility of evening classes, the relevance of the curriculum, and the opportunity to learn alongside working professionals made it the ideal environment for me to succeed as an adult student,” Hicks expressed.

In 2012, Hicks earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in hospitality and tourism management while working for the Walt Disney Company. During her time with Disney, she held leadership roles in both resort and theme park operations, which shaped her passion for people and service.

Hicks currently serves as the associate director of facilities communications and professional development at the University of Richmond. As a UR employee, Hicks wanted to take advantage of the tuition remission benefit, but more importantly, she saw this as an opportunity to continue learning and growing in her career. Her commitment to education has not only enhanced her understanding of human resources but also equipped her with new tools and perspectives applicable to her job.

“I knew this degree would deepen my understanding of human resources and help me bring even more value to my current role,” shared Hicks. “Returning to school has been a game changer for my professional development.”

Like many adult students, balancing a full-time job, class work, and personal commitments was challenging for Hicks at times.

“Finding time to focus on coursework while staying present at work and at home required a lot of organization, dedication, and support,” noted Hicks.

Hicks’s support network was extensive, and she was especially thankful for the support of her husband, Derick

“I would like to thank my family, especially my husband, who encouraged me to do this after I expressed interest,” she shared.

She also recognized the support of her colleagues and professional mentors whose encouragement, flexibility, and belief in her potential often served as motivation.

For Hicks, support from the faculty, many of whom are also working professionals, also made a significant difference on her time as a graduate student.

“They have been very supportive and understand that we are also juggling full-time careers while going to school,” she expressed.

Additionally, she noted that SPCS faculty are uniquely positioned to teach the subject matter. They bring their real-world experiences into the classroom, which made the material more relevant and engaging.

“I appreciated how they tied concepts to current events and shared practical insights from their own careers,” Hicks said.

Hicks is also grateful to her classmates. She felt their passion and drive made her learning more meaningful. Her classmates left a lasting impression on her, and she’s going to miss them deeply.

“The discussions, group projects, and shared challenges really created a sense of community,” Hicks share. “I’ve learned just as much from my peers as I have from the coursework, and I’ll definitely miss that regular opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a talented group of classmates.”

Hicks is excited for what comes next. She’s passionate about continuing to grow in her career and looks forward to new challenges, further learning, and finding creative ways to make an impact.

“After this journey, I’m definitely looking forward to some well-earned downtime, but I’m also excited to keep pushing myself professionally,” Hicks concluded.