Canisius University announced that Kevin M. Smith has been named vice president for enrollment management, moving from the interim role he has held since February 2026 into a permanent appointment. As the university’s chief enrollment officer, Smith sets the strategic direction for undergraduate and graduate recruitment, admissions and financial aid. He also works closely with the offices of Academic and Student Affairs to support retention and student success.
Smith joined Canisius in 1998 as director of student accounts and has held positions of increasing responsibility across the university’s enrollment and student financial services operations. A Canisius alumnus, he holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in business administration from the university.
Since stepping into the interim position of vice president, Smith has led the implementation of a data-informed strategic enrollment plan and has also overseen a $33 million institutional financial aid budget and initiatives designed to strengthen recruitment, yield and partnerships.
Smith previously served as assistant vice president and director of student records and financial services. In this role, he oversaw student billing, financial aid, student records and related services, and led strategic initiatives involving tuition, financial aid, retention and student success. As co-chair of Canisius’ Student Retention Committee, he helped develop at-risk student modeling, outreach initiatives for unregistered and stop-out students, and a student success team model connecting students with faculty, financial aid, career and success support.
As we begin a new academic year, we warmly invite you to join the Canisius University community for the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
This longstanding Jesuit tradition offers us a meaningful opportunity to gather, reflect, and celebrate the beginning of the academic year together. Faculty are invited to meet in the Old Main Faculty Lounge at 9:40 a.m. so that we may process together to the chapel.
Academic regalia is encouraged for the Mass. The Office of Academic Affairs has a selection available for those faculty who need it; please email the Academic Affairs office directly at acafmail@canisius.edu, and we will do our best to arrange a convenient time for you to select regalia.
To allow our community to participate, classes that follow an MWF schedule will be suspended that day. Classes scheduled MW only or W only will continue as scheduled.
You are strongly encouraged to invite your students and advisees to attend, and to bring along a colleague from your department. This is a wonderful chance to share in a tradition that strengthens the connections at the heart of our university community.
Following Mass, please join for brunch in the Dining Hall, complimentary to all, courtesy of the President’s Office. All are welcome; simply bring your swipe ID card for entry.
The IMPACT Center invites all faculty to participate in the annual Celebration of Faculty Scholarship, taking place on Wednesday, October 21 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM in Science Hall.
This event will feature:
Lightning Talks spotlighting the work of our vibrant faculty!
A Scholarship Showcase, an informal session for faculty across all disciplines to share their current projects, publications, creative works and scholarly endeavors
We encourage all faculty to take part—whether you’re conducting scientific research, writing a book, producing art, or leading a community-based project.
Please note that the Bike Field Trip that was offered to employees has been re-scheduled to Wednesday, September 16; you are welcome to sign up for one of two time slots (1-2 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.)
Please register in advance and let us know if you plan to rent a ReddyBike or need a bike helmet. For this trip, we are heading to Salud Market for a treat. Any questions can be sent to Yvonne Widenor at widenory@canisius.edu or Caroline King at king116@canisius.edu
Please note that we are going with the rain date of Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM for Suzanne Fatta’s performance. We are eager to join her and the East West Community Garden volunteers in the garden. Light refreshments will be served, and please contact Yvonne Widenor, Director of ArtsCanisius at widenory@canisius.edu with any questions.
