#WeAreEmoryEPI: Meet Brenda Hardy!

Luckily,we have our very own Associate Director of Academic Programs (ADAP) specifically for it. Our ADAPs are the equivalent of academic advisors at most institutions, and they serve as a great point of contact for questions relating to the department, academic advising, classes, and so much more. Take the opportunity to meet our ADAP, Brenda Hardy! She advises students who are in the Global Epidemiology (GLEPI) Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Public Health programs.

Tell us a little about your academic history/where you went to school.

I earned all three of my degrees from the University of Albany in New York. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) degree in School Counseling.

What were you doing before you came to Rollins?

Right after I graduated, I was an archaeologist for a number of years. Then, when I had my son, I returned to school to earn my Master’s and CAS degrees. I have since been advising in higher education for about 33 years.

Why did you want to become ADAP for the Epidemiology Department?

I had been in higher education for quite a long time. I was moving to Georgia to be near my grandchildren, and the Department of Epidemiology was hiring. When I interviewed and learned more about the job, I knew the department would be a perfect fit for me.

What are you most excited about working with MPH students?

I love seeing them be so successful and so caring. Epidemiology and public health are such wonderful professions, and this is my way of supporting both the field and my students.

What goals do you have when working with new students?

I have a few goals. Most importantly, I want to make sure that my students are okay. I like listening to my students and helping them achieve their goals. I want my students to always feel cared for and understood.

What is your favorite part of being at Emory?

I love so many things. My favorite part of all of it is the people I work with. They make coming to work a joy. I also love doing all I can to help everything go smoothly for everyone on staff, as well as students.

What advice do you have for students?

Be kind. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. Figure out what is important to you and work towards your goals. Also, know that goals can change and plans can change. Be open to the possibilities.

What is one place in Atlanta that you would recommend people to visit?

My son, daughter-in-law, grandkids and I will often go to IKEA and then the Georgia Aquarium. I am new to the area, and I don’t know a lot of policies. Doing things in Atlanta can be such a drive since I live in Cobb County.

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?

I read the Matthew Perry biography in two days. I watch a lot of documentaries on TV.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I love being a grandma more than anything.
2. I made my son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding cake.
3. I loved doing archaeology and working at the New York State Museum.

Thanks for talking with us, Brenda! We’re happy to have you in the Emory EPI family.