It is with somewhat mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Ellen O. Conley, PhD, as vice president for student affairs for the college, effective June 30, 2013.
Ellen has served Canisius with distinction for more than four decades. In her early years at Canisius, Ellen served as the assistant director of athletics for women’s sports. Under her direction, the women’s athletic program was formed, and in response to Title IX mandates, the program grew from a single club level team to seven varsity teams. Named dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in 1993, Ellen was instrumental in the creation of the School of Education and Human Services, and guided the development of a Master of Science in Organizational Communication and Development (now Communication & Leadership). She also initiated the development of majors in criminal justice and environmental science.
Vice president for student affairs since 1998, Ellen’s top priorities have always been the education and overall well being of Canisius’ students. Under her leadership, the division has been dedicated to providing high-quality services and educational experiences for our students.
She is well-respected by her colleagues both on campus and beyond, and her many achievements have contributed to the advancement of the college. Please join me in thanking Ellen for her many years of service, and wishing her well in her retirement.
As part of the college’s ongoing Strategic Assessment work, I have decided to merge the positions of vice president for student affairs and dean of students. I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Terri L. Mangione, PhD, as interim vice president for student affairs, effective July 1. Terri will also continue to fulfill her current duties as dean of students.
Terri was appointed dean in 2007, and is responsible for the Offices of Residence Life, Student Counseling Services, Student Health Services, Student Academic Support Services, Campus Programming and Orientation, Leadership Development, International Student Services, the ALANA Student Center and divisional assessment. In 2010, Terri chaired the NCAA certification process and was appointed to the JASPA (Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators) executive board in 2012.
Terri’s history with Canisius dates back to 1986 when she began her professional career here in the Office of Financial Aid as a counselor. She then served as associate director of financial aid, director of academic advisement and associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. From 2003 to 2007, Terri was senior associate vice provost for undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Terri’s expertise, reputation and tenure at the college will no doubt prove to be invaluable in her new role. I am confident that she will continue to provide excellent leadership in Student Affairs.
Submitted by: President John J. Hurley
