Janet McHard and Beth Mohr reflect on a legacy of supporting working students

Janet McHard and Beth Mohr know firsthand the drive and determination required to balance school while working full time. That experience — combined with values instilled early in life — shaped their belief that giving back to the community is a responsibility. Today, as engaged alumni, they remain active in the community and strong supporters of UNM, creating a legacy through a gift that continues to make an impact.

Their path to higher education was not traditional. Both navigated demanding professional responsibilities while pursuing their degrees, often taking classes one at a time and making steady progress when and where they could. That lived experience continues to shape how they view access to education, and why they are passionate about supporting students facing similar challenges today.

In 2017, the couple established the Janet M. McHard and Beth A. Mohr MBA Scholarship Fund to support part-time MBA, Master of Accountancy, or MPA students who are working full time and have demonstrated a commitment to diversity. Since its creation, the scholarship has supported several students as they work toward their degrees, easing financial burdens.

“Generally, there’s just not a lot of assistance for folks who are working full time and also trying to go to school, either part time or full time,” Beth said.

“You’re in the in-between — you can’t establish need, but you also don’t have time to achieve the academic excellence that many scholarships use as criteria,” Janet added. “So, we worked carefully when crafting this scholarship to find a way to support people who have the same kind of need that we had.”

That intentionality reflects not only their personal journeys, but also their professional lives. Together, they own and operate The McHard Firm, a forensic accounting practice specializing in fraud investigations, financial expert witness testimony, and professional education for investigators, business owners, and legal professionals.

Janet established the firm in 2009 and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), a credential awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), where she has served as a faculty member since 2003. She earned her BA and MBA from UNM.

Beth joined The McHard Firm in 2010 and became managing partner in 2011. She is also a CFE and previously worked in law enforcement as a San Diego police officer, as well as with the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office in Washington. Beth earned her Master of Public Administration from UNM and her Bachelor of Science from Pacific Western University.

Beyond their professional accomplishments, both remain closely connected to the University of New Mexico.

“One of the things that attracted me to UNM when I transferred all those years ago was that it was a very nontraditional campus,” Janet said. “It has a lot of students who are older, who have life experience, and who are going back to do what they love.”

Their continued engagement with students and other professionals within their field is a natural extension of their shared commitment to service and mentorship.

“I really enjoy the moments when I’ve been at UNM, doing a presentation or talking with students, and they realize they have opportunities they didn’t know they had,” Janet said.

“When we teach, we always extend the offer that if you are looking for assistance in your career, reach out,” Beth added.

For Janet and Beth, the scholarship is an investment in people and in the communities those students will go on to serve.

“The scholarship helps the individual, but if that individual cares about diversity and their community, it creates a multiplier effect,” Beth said. “They reach their degree, then go on to help others and, perhaps, support students in the future.”

“There are many ways we can give back to the community that help today, but a scholarship like this doesn’t just help today — it helps for years after,” Janet said. “That is hugely powerful and very satisfying for both of us as a way to leave a legacy at the University that helped shape who we are.”

Their advice to current and prospective students reflects the same steady perseverance that defined their own journeys.

“Be patient with the fact that you can only do so much when you’re working full time,” Beth said. “Be patient enough to keep going, even when it feels like slow progress.”

“Just keep walking,” added Janet. “Just do the next thing.”

Learn more about how your support can make a difference for current and future business students, by reaching out to senior director of development, Melanie Hitchcock at melanie.hitchcock@unmfund.org or (505) 220-7703, or visit the UNM Foundation giving website.

The James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership:
As of May 8, 2026, the UNM Anderson School of Management has been renamed to The James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership in honor of a transformative $30 million gift. Read more about the Ellis family and the historic gift.