Kyle O’Dell, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Student Engagement and Director of Undergraduate Leadership Education
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, student belonging, 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
Associate Director of Student Engagement
Katie primarily oversees campus programming and Orientation at JCU, while also working leadership and campus spirit initiatives. 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
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 being active outside, coaching and playing volleyball, and finding a great new book to read.
Contact Joe about:
* Student Organizations
* Student Engagement policies
* General questions about getting involved at JCU
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
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
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. Erin joined the Center for Student Engagement in August of 2025 after earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University, where she held several leadership positions in her sorority Phi Mu.
Contact Erin about:
* Fraternity & Sorority Life