James P. Loftus, PhD

James P. Loftus, PhD, brings more than three decades of accomplished leadership in higher education, having served in a variety of senior executive roles from assistant dean to president.  Dr. Loftus was president of Cardinal Stritch University (WI) from 2011-2017, following twenty years of service to St. Ambrose University (IA) at the Cabinet level leading areas including enrollment (undergraduate, graduate, adult, and online), student affairs, marketing and communication, strategic planning, financial aid, retention and brand management.  Most recently, Loftus finished his second term at St. Ambrose as a vice president, returning to revitalize enrollment, retention, and marketing.

A trusted colleague among his peers, Jamie has been described as a results-oriented, dynamic, innovative, experienced, and a highly respected academic and administrative leader with an unwavering commitment to both student and university success. 

Loftus has served as a member of many boards including as past president of the Milwaukee Education Partnership, the Wisconsin Campus Compact and the National Association of Catholic College Admissions Association, and as executive board member of Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Center, Milwaukee Succeeds, along with several civic and community boards. He has led academic programs and taught at the collegiate level. He also served as a consultant in enrollment management and strategic planning with Ruffalo Noel Levitz and as an evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.

Loftus is married to an accomplished lawyer and executive, Irene, and they are parents of four daughters. He holds two degrees from the University of Notre Dame, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA from the university’s Mendoza College of Business and earned a doctorate in education policy, planning, and leadership from the University of Iowa.