This week I draw your attention to the lead announcement in the ‘News and Events’ feed on this page. Congratulations are in order for Dr. Janet Deatherage, formerly Senior Associate Dean in the School of Continuing Education, and now the Executive Director of a newly created Office of Corporate Engagement here at Loyola. Janet’s new role with the University highlights the importance to Loyola of building and maintaining strong relationships with our external partners throughout the Chicago community. These relationships are a significant asset that benefit the University in many ways, whether through the creation of experiential learning opportunities for students (such as internships) and career development, or through support for faculty research in the form of funding, facilities or technology. Similarly, Loyola possesses an array of educational resources that may be attractive to external partners in need of solutions to their organizational problems. As I envision this new office, Loyola’s ‘corporate’ partners will include corporations both small and large, small to medium businesses, and not-for profit organizations. Janet brings to the Executive Director’s position experience in the corporate sector, as well as a record of success in developing academic programs for adult learners in the Jesuit tradition. I know you will join me in wishing every success to Janet Deatherage in her new role, and encourage you to share with her your thoughts and suggestions regarding Loyola’s corporate connections and engagement opportunities.
John Pelissero