In 2024, two staff members from the Lake Shore Campus will be elected to University Senate. Below are the candidacy statements for the staff on the ballot.

Oliver Batchelor

Learning Design Engineer
Information Technology Services

Since accepting my position at Loyola five years ago, every day has provided me with exciting challenges in a supportive setting. Loyola is the best workplace I've ever experienced and I have consistently felt a strong sense of belonging. As a member of the University Senate, I promise to always put the community first and ensure that others feel as welcome as I do. If elected, I will put my unwavering passion for this community to work.

Aaron Durnbaugh

Director, Office of Sustainability
School of Environmental Sustainability

Entering my twelfth year at Loyola, I have had the pleasure of working across many departments, campuses, and schools to advance our value of sustainability. In this time I've appreciated the good will and mission-driven support for my efforts and I look to give back to the greater community through our commitment to shared government and discernment. By being a voice for staff but also our value of just sustainability I hope to facilitate our vision of One Loyola towards the best outcomes for our students and our community.

Andrew Ellis

Director of Research Compliance
Office of Research Services

Serving on the University Senate is an important role and I would like your vote because this responsibility aligns with my goal of working hard for our great community. I’ve worked at the University since 2009, taken classes at Loyola, served on several University wide committees, and even had my children attend the pre-school on campus. Through these experiences I have gained a valuable understanding of the community and fallen in love with our shared mission. Please vote for me if you are looking for a candidate that will listen to his colleagues’ needs and work hard while being caring, respectful, and committed to a high ethical standard.

Andrea Gonzalez

Licensed Social Worker
School of Social Work

Loyola's mission statement gives prominence to the significance of expanding knowledge through learning, justice, and faith. As a first-generation Latina who obtained her BSW and MSW at Loyola, I value the power that expanding knowledge holds. At Loyola, I was part of ACE, which provided a supportive community that shaped my studies. Through them I understood the importance of students needing a community that can provide a safe space and offer diverse perspectives that can help enrich their educational experiences. As a Licensed Social Worker that works in community mental health, I see first hand the impact of intersectionality in everyday life for individuals. I believe I make a good representative on the University Senate and my background can offer new perspectives.

Joyce Knight

Associate Dean of Academic Advising
College of Arts & Sciences

I have been at Loyola for the past 41 years, currently as the Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs and Advising out of the College of Arts & Sciences. My husband and daughter are both alums. I am currently completing a 2nd year internship in spiritual direction. I’ve seen a lot in my 41 years, much of it goo and signs of growth at Loyola. I want to continue to be a vibrant part of LU, preferring to “burn” than “rust”. I’ve been on Staff council over the years and had 2 terms on the Senate. Senate is the intersection of all of the divisions at Loyola, and the place where the voice of our students, staff, faculty and administrators come together. I would like to be a part of this valuable group again, and would be honored to work for continued growth.

Keith Kramer

Senior Program Advisor for Public Health
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

Willing to go the extra mile to stay informed on campus happenings and challenges. Strong advocate for the Loyola mission with five year's LUC experience.

Nick Liberatore

Digital Media Services Manager
Information Technology Services

I have been a member of Loyola University Chicago for a little over 20 years, first as a student in Computer Science, but much longer now as a staff member within Information Technology Services. As the Manager of Digital Media Services, we offer wide array of technology resources and support which we continue to grow and adapt to best serve the needs of our students and the Loyola community. I’ve worked with many departments and groups over the years, and while projects and needs may vary, I always strive to find ways to enable a path to success for all. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to University Senate and help make even more of a difference ahead for our campus community.

Ryan Nowack

Associate Director, English Language Learning Program
Office of International Programs, College of Arts & Sciences

Ryan would like to help ensure shared governance of the University for faculty, staff, and administration. Ryan has been with Loyola for almost six years and understands Loyola well, both from the staff perspective as well as faculty. He would be ann asset to University Senate for sure.

Nathan Rider

Assistant Director
Student Accessibility Center

Generally speaking it would be beneficial to have a representative from the SAC because our office represents nearly 12% of Loyola's population. I am drawn to the position because I enjoy opportunities to exercise creative problem solving in collaborative settings. Additionally, my expertise in my work would allow me to help the senate make informed decisions with accessibility for students and faculty/staff in mind. Likewise this role would give me valuable insight on Loyola as we continue to grow and develop the SAC. I already share many positive relationships with partners around Loyola and I would appreciate the opportunity to expand that with more people.

Erin Schrock

Transcript Evaluator
Registration and Records

As a proud graduate and staff member of Loyola, I bring a deep-rooted understanding of Loyola's Jesuit values, culture, and aspirations. With my experience on both the student side and administrative side of Loyola, I hope to effectively represent the diverse interests of our community on the university senate. I am committed to advocating for policies that enhance student success, support faculty and staff, and uphold Loyola's core values.

Lauren Schwer

Director of Ignatian Spirituality
Institute of Pastoral Studies

Her focus is on empowering staff and faculty as animators of the university’s mission. As a 2^nd term senator, Lauren hopes to continue being an advocate for the staff experience, as well as help the mission inform discussions around various topics.

Jennifer Sloan

Marketing Communication Manager
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

I am very interested in helping to shape the future of Loyola University Chicago by reviewing and discussing issues, reviews, and plans of general interest. I also think I bring a unique perspective as a member of UMC embedded in a school who will also be teaching next spring.