Forging connections

Rochelle Robinson-Levant (MJ ‘01) is assistant dean for graduate and online education

For Rochelle Robinson-Levant (MJ ‘01), coming back to Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s campus felt right. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, including nine years as an associate dean and affiliate professor at Chicago’s North Park University, Robinson-Levant jumped at the chance to return to her alma mater as the assistant dean for graduate and online education.

“Loyola was very instrumental to me,” she says. “I saw the opportunity to basically come back home.”

Here, Robinson-Levant discusses her new role, the evolution of online education, and the mission that propels her forward.

What are the main responsibilities of this role?

My position manages the master’s program in the online arena. A large part of my role is creating policies, processes, and procedures that make the journey easier for students to navigate. Some of that is managing the student life cycle, from where the student starts all the way to matriculation. And making sure that student feels valued and respected and has what they need to be successful.

“My personal mission centers on a commitment to excellence in teaching and education.”

Online education is more relevant than ever. How do you see it evolving?

I think the trick of online education is really connecting to the students. Figuring out a way to bring that student closer across computer screens is the trickiest piece of the managing component.

What is your professional philosophy?

My personal mission centers on a commitment to excellence in teaching and education. I have many, many students who still reach out to me today to say, “You changed my life.” It’s one of the most rewarding things that you’ll ever experience. We have to hold that dear. It’s such an essential gift we’re given as educators. –Megan Kirby (June 2023)