Loyola University Chicago names Jo Ann Rooney as first female president

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Jo Ann Rooney is the first woman to be named president of Loyola University Chicago. She's also the first non-ordained church member to assume the role.

Rooney replaces John Pelissero, who has served as interim president since last July.

She said she wants the university to play a more progressive role in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood.

Rooney begins in August. Her term as president continues through 2021.