Consistent with the University’s ongoing efforts to develop students into confident, ethical leaders, Wittenberg launched a new Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) in October, fulfilling yet another objective in its strategic plan. Since then, the new center, which looks to deepen and expand discernment and career preparation for students, has announced its inaugural director, Eric McLaughlin, former associate vice president for external relations & workforce development at Wilmington College. McLaughlin will begin his new position at Wittenberg on Nov. 16.

“Raised to prioritize faith, family, and community, and to value education and work done well, Eric will be an exciting addition to our team,” said Wittenberg Vice President and Dean of Student Engagement Joi Garrett Scales. “Eric, as director, will be responsible for advancing a comprehensive student development model that helps students define and discover their purpose and calling in life by creating an environment where students have structured and informal opportunities for self-reflection, discernment, goal setting, and skill building. Eric will also supervise staff who manage student employment, career-readiness programming, external and community partnerships, and career coaching.”

As director of the CPPD, McLaughlin will provide strategic leadership, vision, and operational management for the center, ensuring alignment of initiatives with institutional priorities, objectives, and goals.

“When I first read the job description, I knew I had to apply for this role,” McLaughlin said. “And, when I visited campus, I immediately knew I would accept this opportunity if offered. All of us, and especially students, need to discover a sense of calling and purpose that directs our personal and professional lives because we are all uniquely equipped with God-given talents and interests to make a positive impact on the world – and we all need the resilience that comes from having that deep sense of calling to navigate careers that often take unforeseen turns. Wittenberg’s vision and leadership under President Christian Brady and the Board of Directors for this Center is both exciting and compelling – how could I not embrace the mission to make this a success?”

During his time at Wilmington, McLaughlin created a for-credit professional development seminar to help students discover their unique callings and build achievable plans for lifelong professional growth, taught Belonging, Dignity & Justice in the Workplace, taught in the College Prison Education Program, and led seminars for local organizations on leadership, conflict management, organizational culture, and ethical HR.

Committed to cross-campus collaboration, McLaughlin and the CPPD team expect to work closely with Wittenberg’s new Office of Campus Ministries, along with the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement, and the COMPASS: Sweet Success Center.

McLaughlin, who holds a B.A. from Shawnee State University and an M.Ed. from Ohio University, earned his SHRM-SCP credential in 2023 and is currently completing his doctorate in organizational leadership. His career spans higher education, healthcare, nonprofit management, and human resources, with a big point of pride being his service on the inaugural leadership team of the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry, which opened in 2016. He also served as the director of human resources in higher education and healthcare. Moreover, he has served on the Rotary Club Board of Directors, chaired a Community Thanksgiving initiative in Portsmouth, and has served as an elder and lay minister in the Presbyterian Church.

McLaughlin is married to Kim, a clinical director at an inpatient mental health and substance-use facility in Centerville, and together they have four grown children.

Currently located in the Thomas Library next to COMPASS, the CPPD is planning to move eventually to the first floor of Krieg Hall. The move will provide CPPD staff with adequate office spaces, a dedicated conference room for student and external partner meetings, and interview spaces, as well as room to hold small and medium-sized workshops and events.

To support the integrated work underway, the CPPD is also currently hiring for an associate director of external partnerships/lead PPD coach. To apply or learn more, visit www.wittenberg.edu and search for employment opportunities.