Canisius College has announced the hiring of its 25th president. The College Board of Trustees said Steve Stoute will begin his term on July 1.
He succeeds John Hurley, who is retiring after a 12-year term as Canisius president. Stoute's selection follows a nationwide search led by a 15-member committee.
At his introduction Friday, Stoute expressed his pleasure at coming to Canisius.
“I believe in the transformative power of Catholic higher education because that is my life story,” Stoute said. “At this moment in our history, Canisius College is being called to transform our city, region, country and world by educating the next generation of leaders—individuals who are equity-minded, justice-oriented and values-centered. I am excited to engage all our constituents and collaborators in Western New York and beyond, to answer that call, with the knowledge that our Jesuit, Catholic mission and values will be our guide on the journey.”
Stoute, who is also an attorney, currently serves as vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff at DePaul University in Chicago. There, he was the university president’s senior advisor. He helped implement DePaul's strategic plan, led transformative projects and served as administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees.
Stoute will be the first Canisius president of color and the youngest in the school's 150-year history. He was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and immigrated to the United States in 2000.
Hurley was the college's first layperson to head the private Jesuit college.
