Dan Vonder Heide

Born and raised in Chicago, Dan began his career at Loyola University Chicago in 1985, and he has had the privilege of holding various roles within the IT department, evolving alongside the institution as technology and education advanced. Today, Dan serves as the Associate Vice President for IT Support Services, leading a team of professionals who ensure our technology effectively supports students, faculty, and staff.

In 2002, as father of three young kids, Dan achieved a major milestone by earning his bachelor’s degree from Loyola through Mundelein College, which was then the university’s adult continuing education program and later became the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). As a proud SCPS graduate, Dan deeply values the transformative power of education for adult learners.

Building on this foundation, Dan pursued his Master’s in Human Resource Management from Loyola’s Quinlan Business School, which enhanced his understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership in the ever-changing IT landscape.

In 2015, Dan became an instructor at SCPS, and this experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has deepened his understanding of the unique needs of SCPS students—some of the most dedicated and driven individuals, balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments while pursuing their education. Their life experiences bring valuable perspectives to the classroom, making discussions richer and more connected to the real world. Teaching courses in project management and business ethics has allowed him to connect these real-world challenges with academic concepts, enriching both his students' learning experience and his professional growth.

Recently, Dan had the opportunity to play a role in launching a new graduate program at SCPS: IT Leadership and Strategy. This program is close to his heart as it focuses on cultivating strong, forward-thinking IT leaders who are not only skilled in technology but also in strategic thinking and leadership. He is excited about the impact this program will have on both SCPS students and the broader IT community.

Dan's time at Loyola has been more than just a career; it has been a lifelong partnership with an institution that has continually inspired him to grow, learn, and lead. He is honored to be part of this vibrant community and to contribute to its future in meaningful ways.