Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, was named dean of the Richard J. Wehle School of Business at Canisius University. O’Rourke served as interim dean since August 2023.
O’Rourke has 25-plus years of experience teaching sport management and administration in Canada, the United States, and Europe. He developed and is director of the university’s undergraduate program in sport management and graduate programs in sport administration and sport product development, the last of which was one of only two in the country when it launched in 2018. All three programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation and produce graduates who secure successful careers at the intercollegiate and amateur levels and in professional sports.
As interim dean, O’Rourke served the university as a collaborative leader. He has a high level of support from the faculty and business community, and familiarity with as well as direct engagement in AACSB accreditation. Most notably he has an in-depth understanding of the challenges the university currently faces.
O’Rourke holds a bachelor of arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Richmond and a PhD in organizational effectiveness from The Ohio State University.
“Shawn’s strengths as an administrator, educator and scholar align with the Wehle School’s mission, goals, and potential for continued success,” said Joe Delap, PhD, interim vice president for academic affairs. “Shawn’s values fit perfectly with our Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and commitment to care for the whole person.”
As dean, O’Rourke is charged with building on Canisius’ existing strengths while positioning the university for a strong and successful future. He will develop and foster successful and collaborative partnerships with members of the business community; advance academic excellence through outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service; and promote excellence in student learning. Additionally, he is responsible for developing new academic experiences that prepare students for success in a global society.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
