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Picture of Kyle O'Dell

Kyle O’Dell, Ph.D. 

Senior Director of Student Engagement and Director of Undergraduate Leadership Education 

kodell@jcu.edu

Kyle joined the staff at John Carroll in 2004 and provides oversight for  and leadership development, education, and training and advised the JCU Student Government, while also supervising the staff who work with campus programming, orientation,  student organizations, recreation and intramurals, fraternity and sorority life, performing arts, and commuter outreach initiatives. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from Bowling Green State University and completed his doctoral work at the University of Toledo. Outside of work, Kyle likes to spend time with his wife Emily and their two children, hike, cook, travel, and watch movies.

Contact Kyle about:

* Leadership Formation, Training, and Education

* Student Government

* General questions about getting involved at JCU

 

Katie Jansen

Katie Jansen 

Associate Director of Student Engagement  

kjansen@jcu.edu

Katie primarily oversees campus programming and Orientation at JCU. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Walsh University and is a John Carroll alum of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program. Outside of work, Katie enjoys reading, checking out new restaurants, and quality time with her pup Griffin.

Contact Katie about:

* Campus programming

* Orientation and Streak Week

* General questions about getting involved at JCU

 

Picturre of Joe Dreyer

Joe Dreyer, '23, 25G

Coordinator of Student Engagement

jdreyer@jcu.edu

Joe primarily oversees the student organizations on campus while also working with orientation, leadership, and commuter inititiaves at JCU. He received both his undergrad degree and MBA from John Carroll. Outside of work, Joe enjoys INSERT

Contact Joe about:

* Student Organizations

* Student Engagement policies

*General questions about getting involved at JCU

 

Amy Payne

Amy Payne

Assitant Director of Student Engagement for the Arts

apayne@jcu.edu

Amy Payne joined John Carroll University as the inaugural Assistant Director of Student Engagement for the Arts. She was previously the Coordinator for The Creative Arts department at Tri-C Metro. Amy brings more than two decades of theatre administration experience to the College, including 11 years as a global tour and booking agent for Broadway and off-Broadway shows. She has also worked for Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cain Park and the School of Rock, where Amy developed a passion for working with area youth.

Contact Amy about:

* Performing Arts opportunities at JCU

 

Cindy Ditzel

Cindy Ditzel 

Administrative Assistant  

cditzel@jcu.edu  

Cindy joined the staff at John Carroll in 2021 provides assistance and support for the New Student Orientation program as well as other seasonal programming including Homecoming and Christmas Carroll Eve.  She has a bachelor's degree with a double major in Studio Art and Communications from Cleveland State University and received her MLIS degree from San Jose State University. Outside of work, Cindy likes to spend time with her husband Jason and their two children. She enjoys painting, drawing, reading, swimming and walking her dog Chloe. 

Contact Cindy about:

* General questions about Student Engagement

* Reserving the Student Center Atrium and Atrium windows

 

Mackenzie Berryman

Erin Potter 

Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life 

epotter27@jcu.edu

Erin provides support and advising to the Fraternity & Sorority Life community at JCU while also working with leadership and commuter initiatives. She joined the Office of Student Engagement in August of 2025 after earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology with minors in Public Health and Education from Cleveland State University. Mackenzie was a member of Chi Omega while at Ohio State. She served two terms on her chapter executive board as Director of Programming and President. She is attending John Carroll to obtain her MBA, and hopes to work in HR. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys running, painting, listening to music, and watching soccer, football, & F1.

Contact Erin about:

* Fraternity & Sorority Life