Jake Mickelson
Jake Mickelson
Pronouns: he/him/his
Title/s: Coordinator of Recruitment and Retention
About
Department/School/Division:
School of Continuing & Professional Studies (SCPS)
Campus:
WTC
Years at Loyola:
1.5
What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
My favorite thing about working at Loyola is how deeply everyone is invested in its mission, particularly Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person. Every colleague I've interacted with demonstrates a profound commitment to supporting students—not just academically, but professionally and personally as well. There's a shared understanding of this mission that goes beyond words; it’s reflected in our daily interactions and in the genuine care everyone shows. I feel truly connected to my coworkers in our shared appreciation for this mission and in our dedication to bringing it to life for our students.
What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
As part of my role, I help onboard students admitted to academic programs within SCPS. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with this population of students. Most of our students are working adults returning to education later in life, often with many questions about the college landscape. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the complexities of higher education. Building connections with our students and guiding them through this journey is incredibly fulfilling.
What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
Loyola's vision of “building a better tomorrow” resonates deeply with me, especially in my role at SCPS. Every day, I have the privilege of helping new and prospective students navigate the complexities of higher education, a journey that can be both challenging and transformative. I see firsthand how much of an impact Loyola’s values can have on our students' lives. By supporting these students through onboarding and connecting them to resources, I am able to help them take crucial steps toward achieving their educational and career goals - and eventually graduating to build better tomorrows for themselves and their communities.
What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
What motivates me to succeed each day is my personal journey as a first-generation college student and the guidance I received along the way. Navigating college was challenging for me, especially early on—I often felt lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. Thankfully, I had the support of advisors, supervisors at my student jobs, and other student affairs professionals who helped me understand the college landscape and believe in my own potential. Their impact on my life drives me to give that same support to the students I work with.
Now, being in a role where I can directly support students at different points in their own educational journeys is incredibly fulfilling. I know firsthand the difference it makes to have someone who believes in you and is there to guide you, and I strive to be that person for every newly admitted student and prospective student that I work with.
Now, being in a role where I can directly support students at different points in their own educational journeys is incredibly fulfilling. I know firsthand the difference it makes to have someone who believes in you and is there to guide you, and I strive to be that person for every newly admitted student and prospective student that I work with.
Tell us how you show your Rambler pride:
I love going to a Rambler game at Gentile and cheering on the basketball team!
Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you:
I don't like rollercoasters.
