As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Apryl King, M.S. in international business from Philadelphia, Pa. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
King was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Management, Program Director – M.S. International Business Kurt Norder.
In this profile, King shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
King: Since beginning my time at UD, I have developed the ability to view situations from diverse perspectives, gained greater confidence, and embraced opportunities to take on new challenges. I’ve also come to truly appreciate the vibrant energy of campus life.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
King: One of the biggest challenges I faced during my college experience was time management. Balancing a full-time job while keeping up with academic responsibilities and maintaining a social life was incredibly demanding. There were times when it felt like there simply weren’t enough hours in the day. In addition to managing my time, I also encountered several courses that pushed me out of my comfort zone, testing my knowledge in subjects I wasn’t previously confident in.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
King: As a virtual student, my presence on campus has primarily been in a staff capacity rather than as a student. Recently, I attended a virtual event focused on student engagement with artificial intelligence, and I found it fascinating to learn how students are both utilizing and at times hesitant to utilize AI in their academic work.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
King: I took a few courses with Professor Sullivan that challenged me to think from new perspectives. The material was not only intellectually engaging but also directly applicable to my professional work.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
King: To me, being a ‘Lifelong Lerner’ means continuously seeking knowledge, growth, and self-improvement. It’s about staying curious, open to new ideas, and adaptable in a constantly evolving world. Lifelong learning involves learning from experiences, people, challenges, and even failures, reflecting a commitment to personal and professional development at every stage of life.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
King: My advice to incoming freshmen is to always ask questions and stay curious. College is an opportunity to explore new ideas and challenge your thinking. Don’t be afraid to seek help or clarification, it’s the best way to deepen your understanding and make the most of your experience
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
King: I am currently serving as a business advisor at the Small Business Development Center at the University of Delaware, where I continue to support small businesses. Looking ahead, I plan to develop new programs to help small businesses understand the complexities of importing and exporting products. This fall, I will also continue teaching BUAD 444, a Small Business Management course that provides students the opportunity to work with real businesses, and I will begin teaching BUAD 110, the Basics of Business. I am excited to continue my work at the University of Delaware and contribute to both the academic and entrepreneurial communities.