The word ‘success’ can often be intimidating to people because ultimately, it is left to the individual to define. For Marcia Hardy, a professor in the College of Business and Technology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, the word ‘success’ intrigued her, so much so that studying it became her fascination and led her to build an admirable career.
Hardy earned her doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she studied research and evaluations with management through a hybrid program.
“At that time I chose to focus on entrepreneurship—not a well known area then, and my doctoral dissertation was on the success factors of entrepreneurship and perception of success,” Hardy stated.
Through her research and studies, Hardy found out that she had the qualities and characteristics associated with somebody who could start their own business and be successful.
With this in mind, Hardy decided to explore the entrepreneurial world and co-founded McLure-Moynihan, Inc., an electronic commerce company that provides consulting services, leadership and software solutions to healthcare, banking, insurance and aerospace industries that was based in California.
“I discovered through my dissertation research that I am that person who would start a business that I did. I absolutely have a passion for big ideas, creating success and making things happen,” Hardy said.
Her passion and dedication to being a business owner is now dedicated to teaching her students at NSU.
“I have an opportunity to share different perspectives and different aspects of business that built success,” Hardy said. “Things that have worked, things that haven’t worked and things that are new and exciting today. That’s what brought me here and why I excitedly remain here at NSU.”
Through Hardy’s research she found her true passion and describes success as “having the opportunity to have a purpose-filled life, to have a sense of fulfillment and a sense of giving back to the people who are closest and around me and those who I can affect in a positive way. That’s success to me.”
As a professor, she leads her students through human resource management, leadership and strategic management and policies classes. She also mentors student clubs that guide future entrepreneurs at NSU, and her dedication to her students is what led her to be named the president-elect of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars on Sept. 16.
“[Phi Beta Delta’s] purpose is to allow students to come in and have this opportunity for learning about different people, and also scholar activities that are related to worldwide or global businesses. And it’s a lot of fun, but also broadens our perspectives,” Hardy said.
Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. It was first founded in 1986 at California State University, Long Beach, and now has chapters worldwide, connecting students, faculty and staff who are dedicated to strong international awareness and academic excellence.
Regardless of what your definition of success is, Hardy encourages students to explore and join clubs like Phi Beta Delta so that everyone can live a life that they are proud of and grateful for.
Students interested in joining or learning more about Phi Beta Delta can contact current chapter president Dr. Beth Prejean at [email protected].
