Loyola University Chicago Names Keith M. Champagne As Vice President for Student Development

Higher Ed Professional with Decades of Experience, Dr. Champagne Will Work to Enhance Academic Success and Inclusivity for All Students

CHICAGO - November 2, 2021 – Loyola University Chicago announced today that Keith M. Champagne, PhD, will be joining the University as Vice President for Student Development. Dr. Champagne will work closely with the entire Loyola community to ensure Loyola is and remains an inclusive community grounded in Jesuit ideals that puts students first.

"We could not be more excited to welcome Dr. Champagne into the Rambler Community," said Dr. Jo Ann Rooney, president of Loyola. "A lifelong academic leader, Dr. Champagne stood out among the applicants we interviewed for his student-centered vision that has helped institutions create a sense of place, purpose and belonging for students and others within the campus community. We know he will do an excellent job guiding and helping Loyola’s students in the Ignatian heritage of caring for the whole person - cura personalis - while nurturing and preparing them to lead extraordinary lives."

Dr. Champagne brings over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in student affairs and student engagement with core competencies and achievement in the areas of enrollment management, diversity and inclusion, philanthropy and community engagement, and student leadership and engagement.

As the first person in his family to go to college, Dr. Keith Champagne has shared the personal story of his experiences, including his own reliance on financial aid and developmental courses. Overcoming these obstacles motivated him to pursue a career in higher education – and help young people achieve their full potential.

"Young people have unlimited potential, and I am thrilled to take on this role and work hand in hand with Loyola students to help them achieve their dreams," said Champagne. "I’ve spent the majority of my professional life working to increase access, success, and graduation rates for students. As a Jesuit educated person, I believe in Loyola’s comprehensive mission and values, its focus on social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the care of undergraduate and graduate students. I look forward to starting this role and doing all I can to help all students, faculty, and staff achieve their full potential to be leaders in a changing world."

Dr. Champagne received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, his master’s degree at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and his doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Washington’s College of Education. Prior to joining Loyola, he was the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the University of Alaska.

He succeeds Jane Neufeld, vice president of student development since 2014, who is moving into the role of special assistant to the vice president for advancement. Dr. Champagne starts December 1, 2021.

About Loyola University Chicago
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, with more than 16,600 students. Nearly 11,500 undergraduates call Loyola home. The University has four campuses: three in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, as well as course locations in Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vernon Hills, Illinois (Cuneo Mansion and Gardens); and a Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock, Illinois. The University features 14 schools, colleges, and institutes, including Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago, College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, Institute of Environmental Sustainability, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Quinlan School of Business, School of Communication, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, School of Education, School of Law, School of Social Work, and Stritch School of Medicine. Ranked a top national university by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is also among a select group of universities recognized for community service and engagement by prestigious national organizations like the Carnegie Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. To learn more about Loyola, visit LUC.edu, “like” us at Facebook.com/LoyolaChicago, or follow us on Twitter via @LoyolaChicago.