April Marton

Tri-C’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 Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) for its accessible options. She was able to work full time while pursuing her Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in psychology. Tri-C’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 Tri-C is the annual spring concert, where she combined her love for dance with her academic experience.

Tri-C also provided Beard with valuable academic support. She appreciated Tri-C’s accommodating course structure, especially when it came to fulfilling her math requirements, a subject she found challenging. Tri-C 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 Tri-C students is to start without delay.

“Tri-C 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 Tri-C. Her story inspires future students to embrace the possibilities a Tri-C education can offer as a foundation for lifelong growth and success.