A path toward purpose: Leading by example

For Nyreng Dut, C’26, the decision to earn her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management was never just about a credential. It was an act of intentional growth and a promise to the next generation. As a custodial manager at the University of Richmond, Dut sees the campus not only as a place of employment but as a hub for her own professional evolution.

Dut began her journey at the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) in 2022. Her path to the School was not linear; she previously attended community college and explored nursing before discovering that her true strengths aligned with human resource management. This shift allowed her to synthesize her practical experience in leadership with formal academic theory.

“Since I am in a leadership role, many of the concepts I’ve learned in my degree program directly align with my work,” Dut explains. “This connection has helped me better understand my responsibilities and has strengthened my ability to make thoughtful, informed decisions when it comes to supporting and managing my staff.”

The challenge of returning to higher education as an adult learner is significant, particularly when balancing the competing demands of a career, family responsibilities, and academic rigor. For Dut, success required the cultivating discipline and utilizing campus resources. She credits the University’s writing support through the Weinstein Learning Center as a vital tool for navigating the technical demands of her coursework. Furthermore, she found that the supportive environment fostered by her professors made a tangible difference in her academic success.

“I have had the opportunity to work with amazing faculty members who have been both supportive and inspiring,” says Dut. “Their willingness to work with me and support my success has made a meaningful impact on my academic journey.”

Beyond the classroom, Dut has integrated herself into the broader University community. Whether she is recharging at the Well-Being Center or attending athletic events with her family, she has embraced the full spectrum of the Richmond experience. These moments of connection — and the lifelong friendships formed in class — have been foundational to her time at SPCS.

Ultimately, Dut’s motivation remains deeply rooted in her identity as a parent and a sister. By navigating the complexities of the Human Resource Management program, she has become an example of persistence to her family. She views her upcoming graduation not as an end, but as a testament to the fact that goals are achievable through commitment and prioritization — an important message she feels fortunate to be able to convey to her family and others.

“Graduation represents a significant milestone and accomplishment for me — a journey that many aspire to complete,” she says. “It also allows me to serve as a role model, showing others that if I can achieve this goal, they can as well.”

Looking ahead, Dut plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree with a focus on leadership. As she prepares for the next phase of her professional life, she remains grateful for the foundation she built within the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies and the example she’s been able to set for her family.