Canisius University has received approval from the New York State Education Department to offer its new Administrator and Superintendent Extension certificate beginning in fall 2026. The approval positions Canisius among higher education institutions authorized to prepare school and district leaders under New York’s updated certification structure.
The New York State Board of Regents adopted new regulations in January 2025 that consolidate the longstanding School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) certifications into a single professional Administrator certificate, with an additional Superintendent Extension required for those serving in superintendent-level roles. The transition to the new system will be fully implemented in New York State by September 2031.
The 30-credit Administrator certificate at Canisius will prepare educators for building- and district-level administrative roles, including principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent and director.
Designed for working professionals, the program will be offered in an on-line only format consistent with its current administrator preparation programs to ensure accessibility for educators across Western New York and beyond.
Phil Sheridan, PhD, chair of the Chemistry/Biochemistry Department, appeared on the February 27 edition of “Evening Dish,” which airs on WIVB-TV Channel 4. Sheridan discussed Canisius’ new 4+2 partnershipwith Syracuse University. Available to science and mathematics majors, Sheridan explained that the new pathway gives students a direct route to a master’s degree in engineering or computer science – currently among the fastest-growing and high paying fields in the country. Click here to watch his interview, which begins around the 10-minute mark.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is pleased to announce that Alex Szczepankiewicz has been selected to receive the I.M. Kolthoff Enrichment Award in Analytical Chemistry, a distinction that recognizes academic excellence, promise in analytical research, and a strong commitment to the chemical sciences.
Named in honor of I. M. Kolthoff, often regarded as the “father of analytical chemistry,” the award supports students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and the potential to advance the discipline. Kolthoff’s legacy emphasizes rigor in measurement, thoughtful experimental design, and the ethical application of chemistry, as reflected in the goals of this enrichment award.
Alex was nominated for the award by Dr. Corey Damon for outstanding performance in coursework and laboratory work, as well as for engagement in research and scholarly activities related to analytical chemistry. The Kolthoff award provide travel funding for undergraduate students to present a poster on their research at either PITTCON or the Spring ACS National Meeting & Exposition, with only four total awards made between the two meetings. Alex will present on his research from the Damon lab, titled “Haloperoxidase Biomimetics: Optimizing Oxidant Generation in Xerogel-Based Transition Metal Catalysts” at the Spring 2026 National Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, later this month.
The department congratulates Alex on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to seeing how this enrichment experience contributes to his continued growth as a scientist.
As a small token of our appreciation for all of the good work you do and your commitment to our campus community, please take a break and enjoy a medium-sized beverage from the Tim Hortons on campus!
A voucher is required this year and can be picked up at the Office of Human Resources at 106 Bagen Administration Building.
Faculty and staff can use the voucher at Tim Hortons on Friday, March 6, or Monday, March 9, to receive a complimentary beverage.
The University Communications’ photographer, Brianna Blank ’14, is taking new headshots for any faculty or staff member who needs one on Wednesday, March 25.
