Everything Leadership

Julia Wiard's Auburn journey is a rollercoaster ride of unexpected twists and turns.

Growing up in Selma, Alabama, she was a die-hard fan of the orange and blue, thanks to her dad and grandparents who are all Auburn University alumni.

"We grew up really loving Auburn," explained Wiard.

But in her senior year of high school, Wiard's rebel spirit led her to seek a different path.

"It was the most rebellious thing I've ever done," recalled Wiard. "I thought I needed a different experience, and needed to prove that I could do it."

Full of determination, Wiard ventured out of state to earn her bachelor's degree in educational psychology from Mississippi State University and later her master's in college student personnel administration from the University of Central Arkansas.

"It helped me build independence as a leader and learn more about myself," she said.

However, the thought of returning to her Auburn roots always lingered in the back of Wiard's mind. And sixteen years ago, she did just that.

"I really can't take all the credit for it," Wiard said. "My husband Nick saw a job opening at Auburn he thought would be perfect for me. He urged me to apply, saying the opportunity might not come around again."

Wiard ended up accepting the position, relocating with her husband and two young children to Auburn in 2009. After a stint in student affairs, she has served as the instructor and coordinator for Auburn's Leadership Minor program since 2011.

"I had the opportunity to start teaching one class in the leadership minor, and then one class turned into two classes," recalled Wiard. "Eventually it turned into the opportunity to direct the minor and teach both the intro and the capstone courses."

The Leadership Minor program is part of Auburn's University College, which is under the Office of the Provost. When Wiard began teaching in the minor, only one student was enrolled. Despite humble beginnings, today the program has well over 100 students at any given time that are declared in the minor.

In the Leadership Minor, students can tailor their coursework to complement any major, helping prepare them for their future careers. Courses on problem solving, decision making and civic engagement draw students from all majors and disciplines. It's that diversity that benefits every student who signs up.

"Some come into class haven't really having that organizational experience yet where they've gotten to think about what kind of leader they want to be," explained Wiard. "They get into class, get to hear from each other. It really sparks conversation and learning."

Wiard doesn't name names, but some of Auburn's most famous athletes from the field and court take her leadership classes, as well as many students who have a wide variety of leadership roles on campus.

"The great thing about leadership classes is there something you can use instantly," said Wiard. "You can use it in your student organization, in your job, your internship or your athletic team."

Over the years, Wiard has worked with various student organizations to provide leadership and professional development, including College of Liberal Arts Career Development, Greek Life and Auburn Athletics. Last summer, she led a study abroad leadership class in Madrid, Spain.

Student interest in Auburn's Leadership Minor program has grown by leaps and bounds leading to the expansion of course offerings next year.

"We’re going to offer more sections of the intro course to allow more students to get into the minor," said Wiard. "It's also still a great elective for students who don't have the capacity to add a full minor to their curriculum but just want a good class to supplement something they're doing on campus."

Wiard, who is consistently ranked by students as one of Auburn's top professors, maintains it is building relationships that make her job worthwhile.

She ensures her students don't just learn about leadership—they live it.

"I do love those big moments when a student runs for something or they apply for something and they email me to let me know they got the job," she said. "It's cool to get to be part of their experience."

Wiard’s story is a reminder that sometimes the path to our purpose may be full of unexpected turns, but ultimately, it leads us back to where we belong to inspire the next generation.

Interested in learning more about Auburn's Leadership Minor program? Visit the website here.