BUFFALO, NY - Following an extensive national search, Canisius announces the appointment of Harold O. Fields, EdD, as the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the college.
Fields is currently director of residence life at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he has served in various roles since 2008.
As a strategic leader and an integral member of the president’s leadership team, Fields will advise the president regarding current developments in higher education as they relate to student affairs.
“Throughout the interview process, Dr. Fields impressed us with his knowledge and grasp of the critical issues facing Canisius and our students, dedication to student-centric leadership, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and collaborative leadership approach,” said Steve K. Stoute, president-elect of Canisius University. “I am confident that he will bring a fresh perspective to the important work of leading our Division of Student Affairs and have a meaningful impact on the Canisius community.”
The leader of the Division of Student Affairs, Fields will be responsible for divisional strategic planning and assessment efforts and for overall operations. The Division of Student Affairs includes the ALANA Student Center, Campus Ministry, the Counseling Center, Division 1 intercollegiate athletics, international student programs, new student orientation, public safety, the Office of Student Life (residence life, judicial affairs, student engagement and clubs, leadership development, event services, intermural sports, and athletic facilities operations), Title IX coordinator and the Student Health Center.
The vice president for student affairs is jointly responsible (with the vice president for academic affairs) for the overall operations of the Griff Center for Student Success (career services, tutoring services, veterans’ services, accessibility support services, parent programs) and the Office of Study Abroad and International Partnerships.
Fields holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a doctor of education degree in higher education administration from the University of Rochester.
He will begin his position at the college in mid-July, 2022.
