Hawke said those involved in the interview process, were “impressed with Dr. Loftus’ leadership style, strategic ability, record of building and supporting strong teams and overall approach to the position of university president. He will be an outstanding leader for Stritch.”
Loftus also works as an associate recruitment consultant with Noel-Levitz in Littleton, Colo., and Iowa City, Iowa, as well as a consultant-evaluator with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges in Chicago. He has taught in a Catholic high school in suburban Chicago, studied in the seminary and worked in a volunteer corps, Holy Cross Associates.
Franciscan Sr. Florence Deacon, director of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, noted that Loftus and his wife Irene are deeply involved in community service, a commitment that will continue at Stritch.
Loftus holds a doctorate in planning, policy and leadership studies from the College of Education at the University of Iowa; a master’s degree in business and a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Notre Dame. He and Irene, an attorney and former chancellor of the Diocese of Davenport, are the parents of four daughters, ages 15 to 22.