Loyola Leadership Institute cultivates homegrown leaders

Like any skillset or complex practice, leadership requires time, energy, and resources to grow. In 2023, Loyola University Chicago developed the Leadership Institute, a cohort-based program to invest in staff members and ensure they have the resources they need to grow.  

Entering its third year, the year-long program provides professional development for entry- and mid-level full-time staff members rooted in and guided by Loyola’s Ignatian values and Jesuit ideals. 

“Our intent behind creating the Leadership Institute was to provide leadership development and training to help staff learn the ‘Loyola way’ of knowing, doing, and succeeding,” said Keith Champagne, Vice President for Student Development. 

Three leaders from the Division of Student Development served as the driving forces behind the advent of the Leadership Institute and its continued growth: Shannon Howes, Director for Assessment and Assistant to the Vice President, Will Rodriguez, Dean of Students, and Jim Flavin, Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives. 

“Each participant brings with them different perspectives, and insights, unique to their role and their life experiences, culminating in diverse and talented cohorts,” shared Howes. 

The Loyola way

Jen Reyes, Administrative Coordinator for the Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education, joined the 2024-2025 cohort of the Leadership Institute to deepen her engagement with the university and broaden her institutional knowledge. 

“As someone committed to both personal and professional growth, I saw the Institute as an opportunity to expand my perspective, enhance my leadership capabilities, and become a more active and informed contributor to the University community,” said Reyes. 

Participants have represented units from across Loyola’s units and campuses–from University Marketing and Communication to the Stritch School of Medicine to Campus Ministry. 

“Our model is singular not only in our cross-divisional, interdisciplinary lens, but because of Loyola’s campus ecology,” said Champagne. “Each element is infused with and enriched by what makes Loyola such a special place to learn and work: our Jesuit mission, our urban, multi-campus setting, and our diverse community.”

Central to ‘the Loyola way,’ put simply, is to educate students as leaders and persons for others, as in the Jesuit tradition. 

Howes explained, “This program provides staff with more opportunities to live out our values in their own day-to-day work, which creates a ripple effect and serves as a powerful example of leadership for our students.”  

This ethos motivated Keith Kramer, Senior Program Advisor in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, to participate. 

“Professionally, I have tried to cultivate a servant leadership approach in my work, which focuses on the growth and well-being of the people you lead rather than my individual power or authority,” said Kramer. “This connects well with Loyola’s Jesuit ideals and Ignatian values, which are embedded in the program.” 

Building capacity

Designed to build on participants’ skills and provide opportunities to apply what they have learned, the program is split into two parts. 

The fall semester offers workshops led by campus partners on topics ranging from budgeting to conflict management. In the spring, the cohort splits into individual or small groups to design a proposal that addresses a campus need and benefits students, whether directly or indirectly. These project proposals are then presented to University leadership. While there is no guaranteed outcome, the opportunity could result in proposals receiving support to become new initiatives.  

Inspired by a 2021 collaborative quilt panel project organized by the Parkinson School, Kramer and his team proposed The Rambler Cookbook – a collection of staff and faculty recipes and the personal stories that inspired their culinary creations. Proceeds from the sale would support the Staff Council’s Loyola Employee Emergency Fund. 

Building relationships 

Central to the mission of the Leadership Institute and crucial to a successful career in higher education is relational skills.  

“Connecting with colleagues from different departments and functional areas has opened the door to new collaborations and enhanced my understanding of the broader university structure,” said Reyes. “These relationships have strengthened my ability to navigate institutional processes and have helped me feel more integrated into the Loyola community.” 

Inspired by her experience, Reyes and her teammates, Kimberly Davenport of Military and Veteran Student Services and Paige Patrick of Advancement, proposed a project that would develop a formalized mentorship program for Loyola staff. 

“Many new employees often feel disconnected or overwhelmed. We recognized the opportunity to bridge the resources provided during onboarding and the informal, institutional knowledge that long-time employees often take for granted,” shared Reyes. 

Looking ahead

As the Leadership Institute grows and expands, each new interdisciplinary cohort brings a wealth of talent, collaboration, and innovation. 

“The Leadership Institute has become this incredible incubator for initiatives and projects with immense potential to better serve our students,” said Champagne. “I look forward to pursuing more of these projects that empower us to continue providing transformative learning and life experiences that create persons for others.” 

The applications for the 2025–2026 cohort of the Leadership Institute are open and professional development sessions will begin in the fall. Learn more and apply here by Friday, August 22.