Artificial Intelligence / Fostering a “Culture of Encounter” in Jesuit Education
Ignatian Formation / Campus Mental & Spiritual Well-Being
As faculty are the heart of our institutions, an important aspect of this Commission will highlight curricular offerings, pedagogical approaches, and interdisciplinary efforts that colleagues employ both within and outside of classroom settings. (Charter PDF)
Co-Chair: Rev. Dr. Kara Markell serves as Associate Director of the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE) at Seattle University. Kara’s research and writing in adaptive leadership explore the wild edges of religious expression and the intersectional nature of adaptive change. She has written for the Journal of Religious Leadership, The Interfaith Observer and Christ & Cascade, and authored a chapter in CEIE’s forthcoming volume on Discerning Leadership. She brings her experience as an educator and faith community leader to developing spiritually grounded and academically rigorous learning opportunities provided through CEIE. She is a frequent presenter and retreat leader on topics related to ecology and faith, women’s leadership, and adaptive change.
Co-Chair: Andrew Baruth is Professor of Physics and Director of the Office of Sustainability Programs at Creighton University. He works at the intersection of science, technology, sustainability, and social responsibility, helping students and communities engage in the complex challenges of caring for our common home. As chair of Creighton’s Sustainability Governance Committee, he helps lead university-wide sustainability efforts across academics, engagement, operations, and reporting. Andrew has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications on topics ranging from advanced materials and renewable energy to community-engaged learning. His current interests include ecological citizenship, systems thinking, energy transitions, and the environmental implications of emerging technologies.
Commission Members
- Nicole Bouvier-Brown, Chair and Professor of Environmental Science, Loyola Marymount University
- Daniel Castillo, Associate Professor of Theology, Loyola University Maryland
- Christopher Durante, Associate Professor of Theology, Saint Peter’s University
- Aaron Durnbaugh, Director of Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago
- Jennifer Eagleton, Special Advisor, Science, Technology and International Affairs Program, Georgetown University
- Tanya Hayes, Academic Director, Institute for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Seattle University
- Brian Henning, Director, Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment, Gonzaga University
- Andrew Hobbs, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of San Francisco
- Bill Kriege, Director of Service and Action, Rockhurst University
- Anas Malik, Professor of Political Science, Xavier University
- Michael McNaught, Assistant Director of Operations, Service and Justice Center, Loyola Marymount University
- Kristen Nelson, Associate Professor of Architecture & Community Development Director, University of Detroit Mercy
- Paul Schutz, Professor of Religious Studies, Santa Clara University
- Kathleen Smythe, Professor of History, Xavier University
- Iris Stewart-Frey, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, Santa Clara University
- Tim Sundrup, Director, Center for Mission and Identity & University Sustainability Coordinator, Xavier University
- Carly Thibodeau, Director of Sustainability, College of the Holy Cross
- Yvonne Widenor, Program Director for Fine Arts, Canisius University
Commission Materials (TBD)