Buffalo, NY – Canisius University President Steve K. Stoute, JD, announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at elevating student success and significantly expanding educational opportunities at the institution. The initiatives will support an increasingly diverse population of learners in Western New York and beyond. They include developing a student success center, redefining the Canisius University student of the future and elevating the institution’s nationally recognized Wehle School of Business.
In announcing the new initiatives to the Canisius community, President Stoute said, “After a year of community engagement and discernment, we launched our strategic plan, Answer the Call, in summer 2023. We spent the following months educating our stakeholders about the strategic plan and why this moment required such a response from Canisius. Now, we must illuminate the how and be resolute in our commitment to deliver on our promise to respond to the needs of the communities we serve with action, in true Jesuit fashion.”
Student Success: To ensure that all students have access to the resources and support they need, Canisius University will develop a new Student Success Center. Funded by a $1 million grant from the New York State Higher Education Capital Matching Grant program (HeCAP), this comprehensive initiative will centralize and strengthen student support services to address the diverse needs of today’s students, who continue to be impacted, academically, socially and emotionally, by the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Student Success Center will integrate three distinct areas of student development: academic achievement, career development and student accessibility services. Additionally, it will be home to Canisius Cares, which connects students to external emotional and social support services, as well as veterans’ services. The university’s Academic Mentoring Center will also be housed in the new space.
“By focusing on excellence in student outcomes, Canisius University will set a new standard for student success in the region,” stated President Stoute.
Redefining the Canisius University Student of the Future: The university will create pathways to a Canisius education for learners of all ages and at every stage of life, through the founding of The School of Continuing and Professional Studies. This new initiative will significantly broaden educational opportunities for adult learners and non-traditional students and help fill critical gaps in higher education. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, in 2022, approximately 20 million individuals nationwide had some college experience but no degree (often referred to as ‘stop outs’). In New York State, nearly 2 million people fall into this category. Despite a significant interest in completing their education, many face barriers such as financial constraints, inflexible program structures and a lack of targeted educational options and support.
“This new school will significantly expand access to a Canisius University education and respond to the evolving learning needs of our communities,” continued President Stoute.
Elevating the Wehle School of Business: Canisius University will advance its standing as the premier business school in Western New York and one of the leading business schools in New York State by developing a new home for the Wehle School of Business. This initiative will expand and enrich the university’s business education offerings, provide faculty with the tools necessary for 21st century teaching and learning, and equip students with the skills to lead next-generation enterprises.
“A Jesuit colleague once told me that a Jesuit university thrives when it remains dialogic—constantly listening, learning, and adapting to societal needs,” concluded President Stoute. “Canisius University is committed to this principle and is on a path to becoming its best. I am honored to walk this journey with all of you as we advance together.”
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.
