Ministry Staff
University Ministry staff are here for you! We are available to answer questions, help you get involved on campus or in the community. We offer pastoral support or spiritual development opportunities and help you explore your calling in life.
You can schedule a time to meet with a University Ministry staff member meet via DU Caritas or just drop by the University Ministry Center!
Andrew Mercado, Director of University Ministry
amercado3@dom.edu
(708) 524-6521
Andrew Mercado serves as the Director of University Ministry at Dominican University. Andrew is passionate about holistic student formation, mission engagement in Catholic higher education, and accompanying students in exploring enduring questions about themselves and the world around them through the lens of spirituality and social justice. He is focused on cultivating supportive and inclusive communal spaces for students to actively engage in vocational discernment and reflect on how they can use their gifts and talents to build a more "just and humane society."
As a first-generation student, Andrew is dedicated to promoting access, equity and culturally sustaining practices in Catholic higher education in order to ensure that every student thrives during the formative years of their collegiate experience. Andrew holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in spirituality, faith and formation from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Health Care Management from the College of Our Lady of the Elms. Andrew has served in Vocation Ministry, chaplaincy with ALANA and first-generation students, and most recently as an Assistant Director of Campus Ministry.
Andrew’s cultural roots are Colombian and Puerto Rican. His experience of growing up in a vibrant Catholic Latino community nourishes Andrew’s passion to serve and minister within the Church in a way that reflects, integrates, and celebrates the diversity of the people of God. Andrew enjoys spending time in nature and loves listening to music, especially Salsa.
BA, Health Care Management and Sociology, College of Our Lady of the Elms
MA, Higher Education Administration, Boston College
Nora Zaki Mantas, University Chaplain, Interfaith Relationship
Nora grew up with an American mother who was raised Catholic but converted to Islam before Nora was even born and an Arab Muslim father. Thus, she has been exposed to an interfaith (Muslim and Christian) extended family from a young age. Additionally, her parents were actively involved in interfaith groups and Nora has memories as a young girl going to different religious places of worship. This inspired her love of religious diversity and her commitment to ensuring that religious and spiritual needs of people are met.
Nora received a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from the University of Chicago and holds a BA from the University of Florida in Arabic, Religion and Political Science. Nora brings to this role as the University Chaplain, Interfaith Relationship at Dominican University experience as a college chaplain and program manager for various non-profit organizations. She worked as the Muslim chaplain at Vassar and Bard Colleges. Additionally, she has experience with several non-profit organizations including the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, Rural Women's Health Project and United Voices for America. Nora interned at Dominican University and American Islamic College as a student chaplain while pursuing her Master of Divinity. She has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and is fluent in Arabic. She is learning Turkish, loves watching foreign films in addition to discovering and tasting global cuisine. Nora is pursuing a second master's in Islamic Education from Bayan Graduate School housed within Chicago Theological Seminary. Nora is also the founder of MyMuslimChaplain, which offers extensive chaplaincy workshops, services and other consultation.
Kayla Jackson-Wolff, University Minister, Beloved Community
Kayla Jackson-Wolff holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Dominican University. She served as the Director of Social Justice Ministries at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago from 2018-2023. As a Dominican University and University Ministry alumna, she is excited to return and work within a community that so positively impacted her own growth and formation. Kayla can’t wait to meet, accompany and serve a new generation of student leaders.
Kayla is also a music lover! For Kayla, creating and sharing music, and enjoying the community it fosters is a form of self care.
Michele vonEbers, University Minister for Liturgy
A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois College of Law, Michele vonEbers serves at Dominican University as the University Minister for Liturgy after successful careers in the law and Catholic publishing, not to mention a twenty-year affiliation with Dominican University as an accompanist for liturgies and special events. Michele has been actively and professionally involved in liturgy and music ministry since junior high and brings decades of experience as a pianist, organist, cantor, choir member, music director and prayer leader. Being part of a collaborative team responsible for developing culturally sustaining liturgical practices in an academic setting is an exciting opportunity which Michele is eager to embrace. On the weekends, Michele remains active as a parish music minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago.