Esthela Nunez Franco’s journey to earning an online MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is grounded in perseverance and purpose. Born in Mexico and raised in the United States, Esthela is proudly a first-generation college graduate. Returning to school while working full time as an HR manager and teaching part time, she saw education as a tool for empowerment for herself, her family and the people she leads.
Esthela began the online accelerated MBA program in 2019 and graduated in 2021. Flexibility mattered deeply. “That’s the beauty about online school,” she said, explaining how the program allowed her to balance work, life and learning. The coursework immediately strengthened her impact on the job. The materials were “like gold to me,” she explained, because they deepened her understanding of strategy, planning and organizational decision-making. They also gave her the language to contribute with assurance in the boardroom.
Building the Skills and the Voice To Lead With Confidence
Returning to UNC carried deep personal meaning for Esthela. Health challenges during her undergraduate years had left her uncertain about her academic future, making the decision to apply to the MBA feel like a second chance. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Never feel bad on how you left but feel better when you know that you can come back stronger.”
That second chance was defined by a supportive learning environment with collaborative and engaging coursework, responsive faculty, and a true learning community formed with her classmates. “You just have so much support,” Esthela said. That sense of support transformed her confidence and sense of possibility, opening leadership opportunities, strengthening her contributions at work, and encouraging her to explore teaching at the college level. Esthela has since taught as an adjunct instructor and hopes to eventually teach full time. For her, returning to UNC was about more than earning a degree; it was about growth, impact, and investing in herself. “The value that you get from investing in yourself is truly priceless.”
Today, she encourages others to believe in their capacity to learn. She sees education as a force for families and communities. Relatives who watched her persist are now pursuing advanced degrees. At work, she uses her HR expertise to guide people with empathy and accuracy. Her message is simple. “If you don’t think you can do it, just try it. You’ll be surprised.”
An Online MBA Built for Working Professionals
The University of Northern Colorado’s MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management online program is designed for professionals who want to advance while maintaining their careers and personal commitments. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, UNC supports access and success for students from many backgrounds and prepares graduates to lead thoughtfully in dynamic organizations.
Flexible, Accredited and Focused on Real Outcomes
The Monfort College of Business is AACSB accredited and has earned national recognition, including the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Students benefit from faculty who are researchers, executives and practicing professionals who connect theory to real-world application.
The program features seven-week courses that make accelerated completion possible. Coursework is offered 100 percent online and can be accessed at any time. Pay-by-the-course tuition keeps costs predictable for both in-state and out-of-state students. Throughout the program, students benefit from guidance, mentoring and academic support.
What Students Learn
This online MBA for working adults blends business fundamentals with people-centered leadership. Students build strengths in management decision-making, solution-driven problem solving, global enterprise perspectives and ethical leadership. The curriculum emphasizes technology readiness and the ability to translate HR insights into strategic value across departments.
Career Paths and Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for leadership across multiple HR functions. Potential roles include Human Resources Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Training and Development Manager, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Director of Employee Experience and Communications, and Director of Global Engagement and Culture.
With UNC’s online MBA in Human Resources Management program, students develop knowledge, confidence and tools that support strategic leadership in organizations of any size. The result is preparation to lead teams, shape culture and contribute meaningful value across the business.
