Presidential search is narrowing as finalists are chosen

An email sent to the Canisius community on Thursday, Jan. 27 outlined the final phase of the presidential search process.

Francis M. Lazarus, the chair of the Presidential Search Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees wrote that certain, “especially qualified individuals” advanced “to the semi-final interviews, which the Committee conducted virtually January 21-22.”

The search committee originally preferred to do these interviews in person; however, Lazarus cited the rise in cases of the Omicron variant as their motivation to move them virtually.

The semifinalists were engaged in conversations about the strategic priorities and qualities and expectations for leadership that were outlined in the presidential position profile.

As a result of the interviews, three finalists have been selected by the committee and will be traveling to campus soon.

“It is expected that finalist interviews will commence the first full week of February. We continue to hope that we will be able to conduct interviews with our final candidates in person and on the Canisius campus,” Lazarus wrote. “The exact dates, times and schedules for these interviews, including opportunities to participate in an open forum with candidates, will be provided to the Canisius community once they are finalized.”

Alyssa Deacon, president of the Undergraduate Student Association, has been representing the student body on the Presidential Search Committee since August.

“I have truly enjoyed representing students on the Presidential Search Committee and have strived to contribute to our conversations in a meaningful way over the past several months. From recruiting a diverse pool of applicants that honors the identities of students, to exercising collaborative discernment, I am proud of the work we have done as a team” Deacon expressed. “Students will likely have an opportunity to meet candidates in February. We all play a fundamental role in this major college transition, and I hope we continue to stand with and for one another in this pivotal moment. I appreciate your continued trust and am excited for what is to come!”