Structure and Staffing
The Jesuit Social Research Institute operates as a constitutive body within Loyola University New Orleans, but with a distinct staff, budget, and governing structure. At the same time, the institute is an apostolic ministry of the Jesuits of the New Orleans Province.
The Jesuit Social Research Institute’s governance structure includes an active advisory board—half of its members appointed by the Jesuit provincial of the New Orleans Province and half appointed by the president of Loyola University. In addition to members from both the New Orleans Province and Loyola University, this board is comprised of respected academics from other universities, non-academic experts, members of grassroots organizations, and foundation representatives. The board oversees, advises, and appraises institute work; assists in fund development for the institute; and participates in the annual evaluation of the performance of the institute’s executive director. Initial institute staff include:
- An executive director/senior fellow with responsibilities for staffing, development, vision setting, promotion, coordination, as well as carrying out the primary activities of the Jesuit Social Research Institute.
- Research fellows work in the focus activities of the institute.
- The Jesuit province’s assistant for social ministries develops and delivers outreach and training programs, particularly for Jesuit works.
- An administrative assistant.
- Work-study students also are assigned to the institute.
All professional staff share a strong balance between academic skills and praxis, including foundational knowledge of Catholic social thought. In addition to this staff, the JSRI welcomes other scholars, from Loyola as well as from other universities, as visiting or associate research fellows.
