Q&A with Melissa Hurd

Melissa Hurd, UAA Graduate Student
Melissa Hurd, UAA Graduate Student (Photo courtesy of Melissa Hurd)
Melissa Hurd is a psychiatric‑mental health nurse and graduate student whose work focuses on improving access to high‑quality mental healthcare across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Originally trained in international studies, German, and nursing, she now studies in UAA’s hybrid PMHNP program, where she is especially passionate about psychiatric medications and child and adolescent mental health. Melissa lives in Fairbanks, serves in student leadership roles within the School of Nursing, and works with children across northern Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ through her church.
 

Hometown: Crested Butte, CO Current City: Fairbanks, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ

Degree Program: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

Expected Graduation Date: May 2027

Favorite season? All of them!  Green or Gold? Gold

Coffee or Tea? Coffee  Morning person or night owl? Morning person

Please share a little about your professional and educational background.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and German from Pepperdine University in 2001, and later went on to get an Associate Degree in Nursing from Robeson Community College in 2014, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fayetteville State University in 2017.

What made you want to pursue graduate school? 

I have always wanted to continue my education, but it took many years of work experience and exposure to various aspects of healthcare for me to find an area that I am truly passionate about.

As a nurse, I have witnessed the unfortunate results of inadequate access to and poor quality mental healthcare. I want to be a part of the solution.

Melissa Hurd, UAA Graduate Student

Why did you choose the degree you're pursuing? 

As a nurse, I have witnessed the unfortunate results of inadequate access to and poor quality mental healthcare. I want to be a part of the solution. There are tremendous and diverse mental health needs in every community, and there is so much opportunity for improvement. I want to provide care with excellence and make the field better along the way.

What made you choose UAA? 

I wanted to study in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ because this is where I want to practice, and to my knowledge, UAA is the only school that offers a PMHNP program.

What is your plan after graduating?

I don't know exactly yet. I am in my second semester of clinical rotations, and I'm looking forward to seeing different aspects of care in the next year. I currently work in an outpatient pediatric clinic, and I've been thinking a lot about specializing in mental health care for children and teens.

Have you benefitted from any flexible or special programs while pursuing your graduate degree at UAA?

The PMHNP program is hybrid, which makes it very manageable for busy adults with full lives.

Have you benefitted from any affordability programs or financial aid while pursuing your graduate degree? 

My husband served 20+ years in the Army, so I have been able to use the VA's DEA program.
 
Is there anything you found particularly interesting or compelling in your coursework or other academic experiences?
 
I really love psychiatric medications. I completely nerd out with them. I think it is absolutely fascinating that we still don't quite understand how they work. I want to be an expert in all that IS known about them so that I can provide the best options for my patients.
 
Melissa Hurd holding a fish
Melissa Hurd, UAA Graduate Student
 

Are you involved in anything extracurricular with UAA or in your community that you'd like to share?

I serve as a Graduate Student Representative on the School of Nursing Faculty Advisory Committee and the Graduate Advisory Council. It has been great to learn more of a behind-the-scenes perspective of our school. And I truly appreciate the opportunity to be heard as a student in those forums. I also work with primary children across northern Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ through my church, from Barrow to Delta Junction.

What has been your proudest moment so far as a graduate student?

I took many classes for the program before I was admitted. So the day I was officially admitted was a huge deal for me!

What has been your favorite class or experience so far at UAA, and why?

My favorite class so far was statistics with Dr. T. She is simply a great teacher! My favorite experience is being in clinic and getting to practice caring for patients.

Would you like to acknowledge any supporters or collaborators in your graduate school journey?
 
My husband has had to make his own dinner many a night, among other sacrifices. I'm so grateful for his support; I couldn't do it without him.
 
Any words of wisdom for current or future graduate students?
 
Don't sweat the small stuff. There are many things that are imperfect along the way. Keep your focus on your end goal.
 
What's your favorite part about graduate school so far?
 
Clinical rotations are the best part. It is such an amazing opportunity to learn directly from someone. The real-world situations, advice, and experiences are priceless.
 
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of school you'd like to share?
 
My favorite thing to do is ocean fishing. Last year, I won the weekly derby in Valdez for a 144lb halibut!
 
Anything you're looking forward to?
 
Yes! Everything! I am so excited to enter this field and provide care to people in need!
 
What is the best career or educational advice you've ever received?
 
Be humble and never stop learning.

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