About Us

Jessica Bowers

In August 2018, Jessica moved to Alabama and joined the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in its endeavor to launch an Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR). She provided leadership and strategic direction for the establishment of CDCR student career development and coaching services.  Jessica now leads the CDCR’s efforts to curate, integrate, and scale career development materials and approaches at strategic intervals within the engineering student experience.

Jessica is passionate about supporting college students in the discovery, realization, and achievement of their personal, academic, and career goals. She also relishes the use of design and technology solutions to convey career stories and make career development content and approaches accessible to all students.

After the completion of her undergraduate degree, Jessica worked for a civil engineering consulting firm in Charlotte, North Carolina before entering graduate school. Since then, she served in a variety of roles in academic and career advising at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and the University of Virginia.

Education:

• University of Tennessee - Knoxville, M.S. in College Student Personnel
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte, B.A. in Organizational Communications and Psychology

Marissa Miller

Marissa joined the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations in December 2019 as a career counselor and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Career Coaching & Programs, bringing 7+ years of career counseling and coaching experience. She most enjoys working individually and in group settings with students and supporting them in their career exploration journey, along with ensuring she can assist in finding resources and opportunities as students seek rewarding ways to pursue their interests and design their careers.  As a member of the Career Coaching & Programs team, Marissa has the rewarding opportunity of developing program content for career development workshops, including events with Engineering young alumni and industry professionals, along with the implementation of group career coaching sessions to serve Engineering students as they embark on their individualized career development process and seek experiential learning opportunities within industry.

Education:

• Auburn University, M.Ed. in Administration of Higher Education
• University of Florida, B.S. in Sport Management

Heather Rush

Heather joined the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in summer 2021. She serves as a Career Coach and helps students with their overall career exploration and development. She believes everyone has their own unique story and enjoys helping students tell that story to employers, whether it is through a resume, cover letter, interview, or networking with employers.  

Heather brings close to 20 years of experience in higher education in various roles. Her passion is helping students find their path as they discover and achieve their career goals. She enjoys creating opportunities for students to explore their interests and challenge them to see what they can accomplish. 

Heather is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).

Education:

• The University of Georgia, M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration
• Georgia Southern University, B.S. in Business Administration – Marketing

Anna Tamburello

Anna joined the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations in July 2022 as a Graduate Assistant Career Coach. Anna is eager to assist undergraduate and graduate engineering students in combining their passions, strengths, and skills to reach their career goals during and after their time at Auburn University.​

Anna received her bachelor's degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University. She completed her music therapy internship at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, working with patients up to age 23 using music as a tool to allow them to reach their individual goals. Anna is currently completing her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and looks forward to using her skills as a music therapist and counseling student to aid students in navigating a pivotal time in their lives and careers. ​

Education: 

• Appalachian State University, B.M. in Music Therapy

Susan Hatcher

Susan joined the Career Development and Corporate Relations Office in June 2022 after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology the previous spring. Currently, she is a Master’s student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 

Prior to her role in the CDCR, Susan’s experience includes serving in various recruiting roles, most recently in international development.  Her passion is helping students find, evolve, and apply their professional development skills in and outside the classroom.

 Education:

• Auburn University, B.A. in Psychology

Edie Irvin

In September of 2019, Edie moved to Auburn and joined the Co-op Program as a Cooperative Education Coordinator. In May 2022 she accepted the role of assistant director and oversees the operation of Auburn University’s Co-op Program and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Internship Program. 

Edie brings more than 20 years of experience in industry and higher education. She previously worked at Mississippi State University where she served in multiple roles in Cooperative Education and Career Services. She is excited to expand both co-op and internship opportunities that move Auburn University students closer to their future career goals through valuable experience in their chosen career fields.

Edie is an active member of the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE).

Education:

• University of Memphis, M.S. in Counseling
• Delta State University, B.S. in Psychology

Jane Kim

In May 2021, Jane joined the Career Development and Corporate Relations Office as a graduate assistant. Upon completion of her master’s degree in May 2022, Jane transitioned into the Cooperative Education and Internship Coordinator role to guide students through the career discovery process and to provide resources for student professional development. Passionate about helping students reach their full potential as young professionals, Jane works directly with students to prepare them for the co-op and internship process, provides coaching and support throughout students’ work experiences, and distributes competency assessments to strengthen the skillset of Auburn students. She works directly with co-op and internship students to provide career coaching to help students make the most of their work experiences.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Jane worked as general manager of a local business to train employees and acted as a liaison between higher-ups and high school and college-aged employees. Through this role, Jane uncovered her passion for working with students to prepare them for the world of work. Jane enjoys seeing students blossom into confident individuals as they learn more about and navigate the various career development stages.

Education:

• Auburn University, M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Auburn University, B.A. in Psychology

Teresa Jernigan

Teresa has been a member of the Cooperative Education team since Spring 2013. She functions as the central processing unit for the Auburn University Co-op Program, ensuring that student records for work and school rotations are accurate each semester. She is also responsible for most of the behind-the-scenes work associated with our main co-op recruiting event, Co-op Interview Day.

Teresa brings 24 years of experience as an Accounts Payable Clerk for Flower’s Foods (Sunbeam Bread) in Opelika. She enjoys watching students develop as they come through the co-op program and presenting them with the highly coveted co-op t-shirt at the successful completion of each work term.

Apryl Mullins

In July 2018, Apryl joined the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in its endeavor to create an Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) to serve Auburn engineering students. Apryl leads the CDCR's efforts to establish and deepen relationships with employers. Her goal is educate students about the world of work and connect them with a broad range of industry opportunities.

While Apryl joined the CDCR in 2018, this is not her first introduction to the College of Engineering. She has more than 20 years of experience at Auburn University where she has served in a variety of roles within the Office of Development and Office of Alumni Affairs. She spent the majority of that time in the College of Engineering and refers to it as her second home!

Education:

• Auburn University, B.A. in Corporate Journalism
• Auburn University, M.Ed. in Administration of Higher Education

Leah Blair

Leah joined the CDCR in August of 2023 as Corporate Relations Manager to steer employer communications and planning and promotion of on campus recruiting events.  Prior to joining the CDCR team, she pursued a career path into public relations and integrated marketing that includes real estate development, community engagement in healthcare, small business ownership, and fast-casual food and beverage branding.  Most recently she served as Brand Marketing Manager for Chicken Salad Chick, a national restaurant franchise that got its start in Auburn by an Auburn University graduate.

Leah is passionate about helping students find their place at Auburn and engaging with all the resources available to help with their college and career journey.  As a first-generation college graduate, she has a deep love for the University and understands the value of plugging in and exploring every avenue of personal growth and development that this Lovely Village has to offer. 

Education:

• Auburn University, B.A. in Public Relations

Emily Kaplowitz

Emily joined the CDCR in March of 2022 as a Corporate Relations Coordinator to assist with employer communications and planning and promotion of on campus recruiting events. One of her favorite parts of corporate relations is helping both employers and students streamline their search processes and develop creative solutions to roadblocks in their recruiting paths. Prior to moving to Auburn, she worked in a variety of project management roles in software development and residential real estate, mostly in Nashville and Chicago.

Education:

• Vanderbilt University, B.A. in Psychology

Jerry Van Tuyl

Jerry joined the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations in Fall 2019 upon the opening of the CDCR space in the Brown-Kopel Student Center. Jerry is often the first face students and employers see at the CDCR. He always greets visitors with a smile and a warm welcome. Jerry also supports the operations of the office by assisting employers upon check-in for their on-campus interviews and directing visitors to resources.

Prior to his role in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Jerry served for 38 years in training and management roles in the quick service industry including his role as Director of Training and Recruitment for Chick-Fil-A on Magnolia Avenue. He was most drawn to the CDCR based on his past experience training and developing college-aged employees in the service industry.

Education:

• Iowa Wesleyan University, B.A. in History and Political Science