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Meet Our Students

At American Public University, we teach driven working adult students to soar higher in their fields. The students on this page all come from different walks of life and have their own reasons for continuing their educational journey. View their stories and you'll see how, at APU, we are as committed to your success as you are.

Aaron Brodniak

Aaron Brodniak is the director of quality for Diamond Knot Craft Brewing in Seattle, Washington. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran and military spouse, Aaron also teaches business plan development at Oregon State University. He also volunteers his expertise in resume writing to military spouses and transitioning military service members. “My degree has made me a more skilled consultant. It enhanced my writing skills, and my ability to identify issues and create strategic solutions.”

Shareema Granville and Kurtrina Yeiser

Life-long friends Shareema Granville and Kurtrina Lundy-Yeiser share their experiences in the online classroom. Both women graduated from APU with master degrees in management. "We were able to be moms and hold down full-time jobs while going to school," said Kurtrina. As a human resources manager, Shareema understands the value of education. "The first thing we look at on a resume is education, so I know how important college is to your career," says Shareema. "I knew I needed to finish my degree and be a role model to my daughters."

Kelley Luckett

School of Education graduate Kelley Luckett, describes how going back to school excited her to begin a new career. "When I first started with APU, I found a huge interest in learning again. I was fascinated by the theories and the skills I was learning, and halfway through my program I started feeling drawn to opening my own daycare." Shortly after earning her A.A. in Early Childhood Care and Education, Kelley opened her center. "I use the knowledge I learned at APU everyday."

Scott Meyer

Scott Meyer is a firefighter and engine operator for the Glen Ellen Fire Department in California. A history enthusiast since childhood, he states, “Getting a master’s meant a lot to me. I feel really lucky that I get to follow my two real passions: firefighting and history." Time constraints originally impeded Scott’s pursuit of a master’s degree, until he discovered the convenience and flexibility of APU. “There is an awareness at APU that students are working at the same time as going to school.”

Shannon O’Brien

Shannon O'Brien describes why she chose to be a nurse and how she wants to make a difference in her cancer patients' lives. She began her nursing career in the critical care department of a shock trauma center and now works for the oncology division of a large medical center in Maryland. “I get to come to work everyday and make a difference in the lives of my patients."

Anthony Soto

Anthony Soto put his college education on hold to pursue a management career at Walmart, but dreamed of going back to school one day. As the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree, Anthony is an inspiration for future generations. "I hope my passion and drive can be an example to others, especially those I lead at work. Seeing people achieve their goals is the best part of my job."

Aneesah Akbar-Uqdah

Aneesah Akbar-Uqdah is a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, where she supported response efforts for the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. She shares how she gained additional research skills and knowledge through her master’s thesis. “Taking classes at APU allowed me to engage with classmates from the Department of Defense and other agencies. I work at the CDC where interagency cooperation is critical to every mission."

Bobby Johnston

Bobby Johnston is the principal of Skyline Middle School, Front Royal, VA. Bobby points to the classroom experience, flexibility, and affordability as keys to his success as an APU student. “APU offered me the flexibility to achieve the goals I had set for myself and my family. Without my education at APU, I would not be where I am today.”

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American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). Pursuant to a contractual arrangement, APEI provides certain services for the benefit of APUS, subject to APUS oversight and ultimate authority. Pursuant to a license, APEI may use APUS’s trademarks and other intellectual property in its performance of those services. American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military.