JSSN Executive Board
Members of the executive board are elected to 2-year terms.
President
Mary Ann Tietjen, Ed.D. (2025-2027)
Senior Director of the Success Center, Creighton University
- Dr. Mary Ann Tietjen (she/her) serves as the Senior Director of the Success Center at Creighton University. In this role, she leads a comprehensive team dedicated to holistic student support, overseeing academic coaching, tutoring, and various retention initiatives. Mary Ann has been an active member of the Jesuit Student Success Network (JSSN) for over a decade, previously serving as a regional representative and contributing to several national conferences focusing on first-generation student success and Ignatian pedagogy.
- With a Doctorate in Education focused on Leadership and Innovation, she is passionate about creating inclusive environments where all students can flourish. Beyond her administrative duties, she frequently presents on the intersection of cura personalis and modern academic support structures within Jesuit higher education.
Vice President for External and Network Relations/SSO Liaison
Michael Puma, Ph.D. (2024-2026)
Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Loyola University Maryland
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Michael Puma was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of Fordham University (BS, Psychology & American Studies) Syracuse University (MsEd, Higher Education) and the University of Maryland, College Park (PhD, Higher Education Administration). He spent his first nine years at Loyola in the Office of Residence Life & Housing serving as both an Assistant Director and Associate Director for Living-Learning Initiatives.
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As Student Development Director of Messina he organized programming associated with the first-year Common Text, facilitated academic support sessions for Summer Orientation and Fall Welcome Week and served as a resource for first-year advisors. In 2017, he was recognized with the Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
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In his current role, Mike works closely with the Academic Advising and Support Center, The Study, and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to help individual students in their formation during challenging times and to develop programs and practices that raise the academic success of all students. At Loyola, Mike has also served as president of Loyola's Phi Beta Kappa chapter and is a member of OUT Loyola - Loyola's LGBTQ group for faculty, staff and administrators. He also is a trained Loyola Safe Zone and Step Up! Bystander Intervention Facilitator.
Vice President for Finance and Partnerships/Treasurer
Wayne Young, Ph.D. (2024-2026)
Vice Provost for Student Success, Creighton University
- Dr. Wayne Young serves as the Vice Provost for Student Success at Creighton University. With extensive experience in higher education administration, finance, and strategic planning, Wayne oversees a wide array of student support services, ensuring that financial and operational partnerships align with the university's mission and goals. His work focuses on creating sustainable models for student retention and degree completion through data-driven approaches and collaborative resource management.
- In his role with the JSSN Executive Board, Wayne manages the network's fiscal health and develops strategic partnerships across the AJCU landscape. He is dedicated to fostering institutional synergy that benefits students across the entire Jesuit network, leveraging shared resources to enhance the collective impact of Student Success initiatives.
Vice President for Annual Conference and Recognition
Elizabeth Rainey, Ed.D. (2025-2027)
Vice Provost for Student Success, Fordham University
- Dr. Elizabeth Rainey is the Vice Provost for Student Success at Fordham University. She possesses deep expertise in conference planning, professional development, and awards programs within higher education associations. Elizabeth leads the JSSN's efforts in coordinating our hallmark annual events and formal recognition programs that celebrate outstanding contributions to student success across Jesuit colleges and universities.
- Her doctoral research focused on middle-management leadership in student affairs, and she brings that organizational lens to every event she designs. Elizabeth is committed to ensuring that JSSN gatherings remain inclusive, innovative, and deeply rooted in our shared Ignatian values, providing a space for both renewal and professional growth for all network members.
Vice President for Virtual Engagement and Programming
Andy Wilson, Ph.D. (2025-2027)
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Success, Loyola University Chicago
- Dr. Andy Wilson serves as the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Success at Loyola University Chicago. Andy is a leader in digital pedagogy and virtual community building, overseeing the JSSN's virtual webinars, online discussion forums, and year-round digital programming. His work is driven by a desire to keep the network connected beyond the annual conference, leveraging technology to share best practices synchronously and asynchronously.
- With a background in higher education technology and student engagement, Andy ensures that our virtual spaces are accessible and dynamic. He believes that the 'network' in JSSN is its greatest strength, and he works tirelessly to ensure that every member, regardless of geographic location, can benefit from the rich intellectual and spiritual resources available through our online initiatives.
Vice President for Communications, Operations, and Membership
Melissa McAlexander, Ph.D. (2025-2027)
Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Santa Clara University
- Dr. Melissa McAlexander is the Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives at Santa Clara University. Melissa oversees the JSSN's internal and external communications, membership management, and day-to-day operations. Her work ensures that the network's mission is clearly articulated and that members remain informed about the many opportunities for engagement and collaboration within the AJCU.
- With a career spanning diverse academic leadership roles, Melissa brings a strategic focus to the executive board, helping to streamline network operations and grow our membership base. She is a strong advocate for the power of clear communication in building strong institutional communities, and she is committed to ensuring that every voice in the Jesuit Student Success Network is heard and valued.
Past President
Mark Harrington (2025-2026)
Senior Assistant Provost for Student Success, Loyola University New Orleans
Mark Harrington served as JSSN's President from 2023-2025. He brings significant expertise in student orientation and collegiate success pathways to the board's emeritus leadership position.