Christina Spearman, Ed.D., named assistant vice president for career development for Loyola
Since starting at Loyola as an associate director of student life for judicial affairs, Spearman has served the University in a series of roles with increased responsibility before being named dean of students in July 2017. She was elevated to the role of assistant vice president and dean of students this past summer.
“During the interview process, Dr. Spearman demonstrated her exceptional strengths in communication and relationship-building, a quality that is key to helping students achieve career success in every field,” said Brian M. Oakes, ’99, MBA’10, interim vice president for advancement who chaired the search. “She recognizes the importance and value in cultivating a network of faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni throughout the University and beyond to open doors for students to connect with prospective employers. She truly appreciates the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion, as well as to cura personalis, the care of the whole person, and helping students grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit.”
At Loyola, Spearman has served most recently as a member of the Academic Senate, the Rapid Response Team, the Council of Academic Directors, the Compensation and Benefits Committee, the University Threat Assessment Team, the Messina Advisory Board, and as a Messina Mentor.
“I am particularly excited to be a part of the new era of Career Services at Loyola, with the recent opening of the Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning and the Dan & Kelly Rizzo Career Center,” Spearman said. “I am also ready to build on the momentum of Loyola Ready, to help students discover, explore, prepare, and pursue their career paths. I look forward to growing our relationships, scaling our services, and helping integrate career development into the life of the University in an organic way.”
A graduate of Emmanuel College, Spearman has a Master of Education, Counselor Education, from Clemson University, and a Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership, with a concentration in Higher Education from East Carolina University.
“Thanks to her leadership in Messina, as well as in work across the University, Dr. Spearman brings to the role a deep understanding of the strengths and professional potential of Loyola students, as well as a proven commitment to ensuring students achieve positive outcomes in and out of the classroom,” Oakes said. “Dr. Spearman brings a wealth of knowledge of the student experience, as well as Ignatian vocational discernment, which is so critical to career success for Loyola students.”
Year after year, Loyola is ranked high for career and salary success among its recent graduates. Learn more on Loyola’s Rankings and Accolades page.