A Loyola University New Orleans MBA graduate and former Widener University director of Career Services has been named the director of the Office of Professional and Career Development (OPCD) at the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business.

Jan Moppert joined the OPCD mid-semester, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the organization, including five at Widener University, where she integrated professional etiquette and learning outcomes throughout career services, and served as liaison to the Schools of Nursing, Engineering and Business.

During her time at Widener University, located in the Philadelphia suburbs, Moppert achieved recognition for her dedication to the student experience.

“The biggest highlight of my time at Widener was my being recognized by students as a trusted and valued advisor,” said Moppert. “I received two student-driven awards, was asked to be the faculty advisor for an all-male social fraternity, and was faculty partner on four student trips. Working this intimately with the students was a tremendous honor and a lot of fun.”

Now in the OPCD, Moppert sees her role as building on the strengths already in place while integrating the goals of Harbert College.

“My role will be to … guide the team to greater collaboration both within the OPCD and throughout the college, and leverage our strengths toward a clear and strategic vision,” said Moppert. “I want to ensure we are helping develop the most attractive, highly desirable candidates for our employers through better communication and continuous innovation.”

Moppert has served several functions in academia, as well as spending 12 years in the marketing sector of the healthcare industry.

“When I became a career services director, I specifically chose a university with several professional schools, as I enjoy the emphasis on professionalism and results,” she said. “I wanted to work at a school that I respected, both through its culture and the reputation of its programs, and Auburn has all of that.”

Moppert desired a return to the South, as she has several family members who reside in another SEC Country in Louisiana.

“A dear friend who is an AU alumnus told me to read the Auburn Creed before I came to my interview,” she said. “I remember thinking as I left my interview, that the people I met during my interview live that creed – it isn’t just a feel-good marketing piece.”

Some of Moppert’s goals include learning more about OPCD operations and then setting a strategic plan in place with the OPCD team in May.

“The advantage of coming in mid-spring semester is I have time to watch, listen, and ask a lot of questions.  There isn’t much I need to fix right away,” says Moppert. “My first 100 days will focus on identifying strengths, being open to opportunities, building relationships, and earning trust.”

Moppert has served on several boards and professional organizations focused on building – literally – while living in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina.

“For almost 10 years, I was on the board of directors for the World Affairs Council of New Orleans, as well as a church board called the Annunciation Mission to meet the needs of volunteers coming to rebuild the city,” Moppert said. “My roles with these two organizations taught me a lot about courage, risk taking, patience, innovation, and meeting people where they are.”

And a line from that experience that sticks with Moppert each day?

“A line that has become part of my DNA - we don’t know what we are doing, but we are getting better at it every day.” 

Moppert’s office is located in 101 Lowder Hall in the Office of Professional and Career Development.