This January, Jim Bopp was called from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix to serve as principal here at Creighton Prep. Even though Bopp had not lived in Omaha, the move has had him slide right into place among the faculty.

“I really like it a lot. It’s been a really easy and smooth transition, mainly because of how warm and welcoming everyone at the school has been. It’s really just been a fantastic transition,” said Bopp.

Bopp came from a Jesuit high school very similar to Prep. He said that both schools share many of the same values and nomenclature.

“There are so many similarities in terms of missions, values, education, formation, the Grad at Grad. Those are all the same common terminologies and the same set of goals. Prep is especially in a position where it can leapfrog and jump ahead really quickly,” said Bopp.

Bopp’s visions for Prep are sure to be easily met by the work of the staff and faculty, students, and Bopp himself.

“One vision that I would have is to make sure that Prep is taking full advantage of some of the more recent changes in pedagogy that we’re fully helping students be prepared for what the modern college and work environments are going to look like,” said Bopp.

A vital part of college preparedness is a strong foundation both in academics and character. Bopp believes that education and formation go hand in hand as the key ingredients for the successful graduate.

“We’re not just educating students, but we’re also about forming students, and the faith-based elements of who we are,” said Bopp.

One Bopp’s goals is to be involved, or thoroughly inspecting and learning the ins and outs of Prep, its classes, and all the activities as well.

“My main project is to get inside as many classrooms as possible and to see how teaching and learning happens here up close, and to do the same thing with co-curriculars like all the different activities, athletic and club activities, and also the campus ministry programs,” said Bopp.