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Mission and Identity Staff

The staff of the Saint Louis University Division of Mission and Identity work to further the understanding of SLU's mission as a Jesuit and Catholic University for its faculty and staff.

Headshot of David Suwalsky, S.J.

David Suwalsky, S.J.

Vice president for Mission and Identity
david.suwalsky@slu.edu

  • Ph.D., American Studies, Saint Louis University
  • Th.M., American Religious Experience, Harvard University
  • M.Div., Boston College
  • M.A., History, Saint Louis University

David Suwalsky assumed the role of vice president for Mission and Identity on July 1, 2020. He previously served as chair of the Department of Theological Studies. His research interests include the American religious experience; Jesuit history; antebellum U.S. history; slaveholding and racial segregation in the United States.

Jennifer Shearer

Jennifer Shearer

Executive assistant
Senior administrative assistant
jennifer.shearer@slu.edu
314-977-7065

  • B.S., Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University

I joined Saint Louis University in 2024. I have a passion for people, and I love being part of an institution that celebrates people, education, community and spirituality. I am very excited to be doing this work within Mission and Identity.

I moved to St. Louis in 1997 and made a home here with my husband and our family. I grew up in Auburn, Alabama, and have lived in Orlando, Florida; Clemson, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina. I love puzzles, reading, traveling and time with my family. 

Headshot of Sue Chawszczewski

Sue Chawszczewski, Ph.D.

Director of Campus Ministry
Wuller Hall
314-977-1530
susanne.chawszczewski@slu.edu

  • B.A., English Literature and Anthropology, Knox College
  • M.A., Pastoral Studies, Saint Francis Seminary
  • M.S., College Student Personnel, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
  • Ph.D., Education, Saint Louis University

I am originally from Chicago and have worked in student development administration, as well as for a Catholic nonprofit in Milwaukee. My favorite retreat house is the Jesuit Retreat Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where I can keep attuned to God's desires through the silence. I live with my cat, Francis (named after St. Francis de Sales), and in my spare time, I love to read, listen to music and cook.

Learn more about SLU's Department of Campus Ministry

Headshot of Patrick Cousins

Patrick Cousins

Director of pastoral formation
patrick.cousins@slu.edu
314-977-7068

  • B.A., Religious Studies, Loyola University New Orleans
  • M.A., Theology, University of Notre Dame
  • M.A., Religion, Syracuse University

I joined the Division for Mission and Identity in 2023, after working in Campus Ministry at SLU for 15 years. What a privilege to accompany members of the SLU community as we share our deepest hopes and griefs and desires for a better future — I couldn’t ask for a better toolbox to draw from than the Ignatian spiritual tradition. The great joys of my professional life include organizing immersive educational experiences for our colleagues and promoting interreligious dialogue and engagement.

When I am not wearing my Mission and Identity hat, I throw heavy things around, make sawdust in my wood shop, and run around the city looking for adventures — and good food — with my spouse, Cristina, and our 10-year-old, Colin. A proud Cajun, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and am teaching Colin to do the same. I am also slowly chipping away at a doctorate in Higher Education Administration.

Headshot of Virginia Herbers

Virginia Herbers

Director of mission formation
virginia.herbers@slu.edu
314-977-5208

  • A.A., Theology, Mount Sacred Heart College
  • B.A., Mathematics, Southern Connecticut State University
  • M.A., Pastoral Studies, Aquinas Institute
  • Certificate in Spiritual Direction, Aquinas Institute

I firmly believe I have the best job in the world! The opportunity to work with SLU’s faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and alumni is a gift beyond measure, and I treasure it every single day. I am a native St. Louisan who has spent most of my life as an educator (every grade level from kindergarten through university) and come from a long line of Billikens even though I myself am not one (yet!) In addition to creating programming for mission formation and Jesuit identity, I also have the joy of interacting daily with the SLU community as we delve into the meaning and relevance of our 500-year-old legacy. I thrive on those conversations and opportunities, and when they are accompanied with a good cup of coffee, all the better! In my free time, I am a retreat and spiritual director, and I love writing, hiking, biking, music, and binging Netflix.