Lewis University—initially named Holy Name Technical School, was established in 1932 under the influence of the Chicago Archdiocese and Bishop Bernard J. Sheil. The school is highly inspired by the Catholic and Lasallian heritage and offers a values-centered curriculum. Presently, Lewis University is a dynamic, coeducational, comprehensive, Catholic university with a richly diverse student body, including traditional-aged students and adults of all ages. The university started its journey with a mere 15 students but today they cater to around 6,500 students.
Lewis’s mission is to be ranked among the region’s leading Catholic universities through academic innovation, transformative student experiences, geographic reach, data-informed decision-making, and a focus on the Lasallian mission. The university offers a unique blend of liberal learning and professional preparation, which promotes personal growth and competence. Lewis University makes available the choices of an institution of higher education which unifies the pursuit of spiritual and moral values, intellectual skills, and career preparation in the context of a unique worldwide Lasallian tradition of higher education.
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Career-Focused Programs
Lewis University offers undergraduate programs of study in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as in aviation, business, computer science, communications, criminal justice, education, fine arts, and nursing. The university has also partnered with numerous universities and dual admission agreements have been developed for pre-professional programs offered in fields such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-engineering among others.
Furthermore, the university offers career-focused graduate programs that are continually updated to match the market’s high-demand jobs. These graduate programs are available in aviation and transportation, business administration (MBA), business analytics, clinical mental health counseling, criminal justice, data science, numerous education specializations, finance, nursing, organizational leadership, project management, public safety administration, school counseling, social work, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Alongside, it also offers doctoral programs in educational leadership and nursing practice.
Alluring Inviting Community
Students benefit from Lewis University’s inviting community. It has more than 100 student organizations and numerous opportunities to get involved. Lewis competes in 23 NCAA Divison II sports and offers intramural and club sports, including a new eSports Lounge. The students at Lewis University can also explore the activities including the theatre and performing arts, intramural sports and athletics, a nationally recognized scholars program, and peer ministry and volunteerism.
Apart from this, the ministry offers various ways for the students to develop their spiritual selves through retreats, volunteer activities, Bible study, Mission trips to underserved populations, and many more. Fitness, wellness, recreational programs are provided through the Recreation Centre and the Powerhouse Fitness Center.
Shaping Professional Skillsets
Over time professional affiliations with accrediting agencies have increased to maintain standards recognized in each industry. Consequently, the academic programs at Lewis University are continuously reviewed by peer groups to offer the most up-to-date curricula. “Professional programs seek accreditation through national accrediting agencies to align with recognized industry standards,” asserts Dr. David J. Livingston, President of Lewis University.
Lewis University’s general education foundation courses address the following professional skills,
- Read, write, speak, calculate, and use technology at a demonstrated level of proficiency
- Use appropriate and effective language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency
- Discover, apply, and evaluate interpersonal goals, methods, and skills
- Develop the confidence necessary to solve problems involving quantitative and qualitative data and communicate solutions to audiences
Prospering to New Heights
Joined the university in 2016, Dr. David J. Livingston is currently the 10th President of Lewis University. Dr. David has more than a decade of experience in academics and leadership. He previously served as the President of Lourdes University since 2013. While at the helm, the operations at Lourdes experienced an increase in the quality, retention, and graduation rates of its students. He strategically surged the growth initiatives and successfully completed the capital campaign. Apart from the presidency roles, Dr. David also taught religious studies at Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Joliet Catholic Academy, and Loyola University of Chicago.
Dr. David has received his B.A. in Chemistry from Augustan College and has completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in Theology from Vanderbilt University. Also, his scholarship focuses on the theological and ethical aspects of forgiveness and reconciliation. The primary concentration is interpreting religious and cultural responses to domestic violence. He and his wife Joan, a clinical social worker, have seen their academic and professional careers take them to many cities throughout Illinois, and other locations including Europe, Mexico, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Ohio.
Being a veteran in the industry, Dr. David is leveraging the 15 years of academic and leadership knowledge to prosper Lewis University to new heights. He is leveraging his knowledge to meet the needs of various student populations.
Placement and Other Opportunities
Students at Lewis University get the opportunity to be recruited by employers at Flyers Get Hired and College Central Network (CCN) for jobs and internships. At Flyers Get Hired, students/alumni are offered a career management account and access to over 250,000 employers. On the other hand, the CCN posting system is available to only the 18 private Illinois college members of the College Career Consortium of Illinois (CCCI).
Due to the partnership with the CCCI, Lewis University hosts a career fest annually. The Career Services are offered every fall and spring where 300 employers recruit Lewis students.
Prepared for the Challenges
Dr. David asserts, “As a Catholic University in the Lasallian tradition, academic excellence and supportive teaching are core elements of a Lewis education.” Even with the advent of the COVID-19 crisis, the university was able to adapt to the changes. Class formats were modified to optimize the student learning experience with an emphasis on health, safety, and success. The university’s academic services offered a range of academic support to the students including online peer-to-peer tutoring, virtual academic coaching and advising, virtual Blackboard (LMS) support, and virtual walk-in support. Also, the students were provided with a laptop and hotspot loan program and Wi-Fi was enhanced throughout the campus. Furthermore, health and counseling scheduled virtual appointments.
The pandemic has drastically affected the population but Dr. David has put forth that this crisis has strengthened the student and faculty relationships. Both have equally worked together to adjust to a hybrid or online experience. “This fall, we have learned that we can successfully partake in a Lasallian experience, regardless of the delivery modality,” said Dr. David.
Striving for Excellence
Lewis University is continually striving to foster Catholic and Lasallian values in its educational programs and campus life. It will continue to develop innovative programs that are in high demand to solve critical needs in contemporary society. The university plans to implement the new graduate program in Health Information Management. Also, Lewis University will strengthen the community college partnerships to provide a smooth transition for transfer students. Dr. David highlighted that the university has plans to enhance the residential student experience with a new campus master plan. He concludes, “We have learned from these experiences and continue to innovate in order to provide the best educational experience.”
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