A Welcome Message from Dr. Potter
Welcome to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Since its establishment in 1870, Canisius University has used the transformative power of education to impact the lives of over 50,000 students. As the sole Jesuit university in Buffalo and part of the world's oldest continuous education system, Canisius University is now recognized as a top-tier institution in the United States. Embracing its Catholic and Jesuit identity in western New York, the university offers a distinctive blend of liberal arts and professional education. Upholding the Jesuit value of academic excellence, the curriculum challenges students to explore the ethical dimensions of personal and professional life and to critically assess their own values, attitudes, and beliefs. At Canisius University, students are encouraged to think deeply, create boldly, act courageously, and live compassionately, thereby gaining the skills and confidence to emerge as leaders in their chosen fields and communities.
At Canisius, our academic programs are rigorous, ambitious, enriching, and deeply meaningful. They form the foundation of our educational philosophy. We aim to challenge you to think independently, strive for excellence, and find a deeper purpose in serving others. With a diverse array of over 100 majors, minors, and degree programs, we offer a wealth of opportunities. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the fact that all undergraduate classes are taught by our esteemed faculty members, rather than teaching assistants. Our dedicated and experienced professors impart both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through our comprehensive core curriculum and specialized courses. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of communication skills, complex problem-solving abilities, cultural awareness, global perspectives, and scientific inquiry. We are dedicated to broadening our students' horizons, meeting their educational needs, and helping them surpass their own expectations. Our faculty design a curriculum that challenges assumptions, encourages exploration, and fosters discernment. Through our extensive connections with the city of Buffalo, our region, and the world, students have access to countless experiential learning opportunities. Our educational approach aims to cultivate enduring qualities such as leadership, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
I am thrilled to be joining Canisius as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs, working alongside President Steve Stoute and the Senior Leadership Team, to pave the way for a new future during this exciting transformative period in the university’s history. Together with the academic deans, department chairs, academic support staff, and leadership, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) will continue to shape our rich and rewarding culture.
Our website will be updated as changes occur, and new initiatives are launched. I encourage you to visit frequently to stay up to date with new developments, announcements, and good news within Academic Affairs. If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to contact us, please feel free to do so at VPAA@canisius.edu.
In truth and service,
Lawrence T. Potter, Jr., Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs