Academic Advising Spotlight
Staff Spotlight: CAS Academic Advisors
The academic advising team is at the heart of student success and retention in the College of Arts and Sciences. These dedicated advisors serve as a vital personal connection between students and the College, helping to foster a sense of belonging and purpose. The CAS academic advising team is passionate about guiding students through their academic and personal journeys, advisors are highly trained professionals with advanced degrees in education or related fields. Academic advising empowers students to make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and achieve their goals.
“Our academic advising team embodies the Jesuit value of being people for others,” said Peter J. Schraeder, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The advising team has a thoughtful and dedicated approach to caring for each of their advisees, which enhances the student experience during their time in the College and beyond. We are extremely grateful for their gifts and expertise in helping transform our students’ aspirations into achievements.”
Alexandra Garcia, MA
Alexandra Garcia, MA (she/her), is an academic advisor for students in the Honors Program. She received a master's in psychology from National-Louis University.
Fun Fact: Alexandra is currently pursuing a master's in community counseling from Loyola's School of Education.
Ramiro Jiménez Jr., MS
Ramiro Jiménez Jr., MS (he/him), is an academic advisor with a focus on Arrupe students. He earned his bachelor's in sociology from Loyola University Chicago, before obtaining his master's in sociology from Purdue University.
Fun Fact: When he was in kindergarten, he would put "Ramiro Jiménez" on all of his assignments, until his mom reminded him that his dad is "Ramiro Jiménez." Ever since then, he has never forgotten to add "Jr." to his name. "Vida solo hay una, disfrutala."
Jesse Johnstone, MS
Jesse Johnstone, MS (she/her), is an academic advisor with a special focus on student-athletes. She earned her bachelor's in sport and exercise psychology from West Virginia University, and has a master's degree in sport and human performance from Adler University.
Fun Fact: Jesse is a passionate sports fan and also loves to go fishing.
Joseph Larry, MEd
Joseph Larry, MEd (he/him), is an academic advisor with a focus on DEI initiatives and Honors Program students. He completed his undergraduate studies in network communications management at DeVry University and received his master's in higher education post-secondary administration from Loyola University Chicago.
Fun Fact: Clueless is one of his all-time favorite movies!
Ronan Kaiser, MEd
Ronan Kaiser, MEd (they/he), is an academic advisor specializing in supporting students in the Honors program. They hold a bachelor's in history from Northern Illinois University and a master's in higher education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Fun Fact: Ronan transferred colleges three times during their own academic journey.
Alexa Mayer, MS
Alexa Mayer, MS (she/her), is an academic advisor with a dedicated focus on supporting international students. She earned both her bachelor's in psychology and master's in student affairs in higher education from Indiana State University.
Fun Fact: Alexa has a passion for languages—she speaks some Hebrew and Sign Language and is currently learning Spanish. Outside of work, she enjoys singing, playing guitar, and dabbles in the piano and harmonica.
Sydney Vazquez, MA
Sydney Vazquez, MA (she/her), is a senior academic advisor with a focus on student veterans. She earned her master's in political science from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Fun Fact: During graduate school, Sydney conducted research in Cuba, an experience that fuels her passion for international education. She strongly encourages students to explore study abroad opportunities during their academic journey.