“Navigating Academics and Students through a Pandemic" is Focus of Live Webinar at Canisius University

October 2, 2020

Buffalo, NY – The Office of Alumni Engagement at Canisius University will host the first in a series of live webinars on Thursday, October 22.  “College and Covid-19: Navigating Academics and Students through a Pandemic” will take place from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. The webinar will be hosted by Canisius Vice President for Student Affairs Daniel Dentino, PhD and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sara Morris, PhD.  The webinar is live and therefore participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of both Dentino and Morris.  

To register for the webinar, click here

Dentino is an integral member of the president’s senior leadership team and advises on current developments in higher education as they relate to student affairs. He is responsible for advancing the college’s Catholic, Jesuit mission and implementing initiatives to support diversity and inclusion throughout the Division of Student Affairs, which includes the offices of Campus Ministry, Intercollegiate D1 Athletics and Title IX, Public Safety, Student Life, Counseling Center, Student Health Center, International Student Programs and Leadership Development. 

Prior to Canisius, Dentino served as vice president for student services and mission identity at Wheeling Jesuit University. He earned a doctorate of philosophy and systematic theology from Duquesne University; he holds a master’s degree in religious studies from Providence College and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Franciscan University.

As vice president for academic affairs, Morris leads the largest division of the college, serving as the chief academic officer responsible for all academic programs including traditional and online offerings.  As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Morris plays an integral role in the planning and implementation of institution-wide initiatives. She chairs the Academic Program Board, serves on the Strategic Planning Committee, the college’s Budget Committee and the Accreditation Oversight Committee. 

Morris served as associate vice president for academic affairs beginning in 2015 and as interim vice president since early 2019. Most recently, her expertise has proved invaluable during the Covid-19 crisis. She has been at the forefront, serving as a member of the Infectious Disease Response Committee and Crisis Response Team. 

Morris earned bachelor’s degrees in biology, French and fine arts from Presbyterian College, and a master’s degree in science and doctorate of philosophy in zoology from Cornell University.

“Navigating Academics and Students through a Pandemic” is the first in a series of live webinars being hosted by the college: 

  • On Thursday, November 19, the Office of Alumni Engagement presents “Canisius University’s New PA Program: The Inside Scoop with Director Aimee Larson, MPAS, PA-C,” from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.  
  • On Thursday, December 10, the Office of Alumni Engagement presents “Diversity and Inclusion in 2020: Being Called to Make a Difference” with featured guest Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Canisius University.  The presentation will take place from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

One of 27 Jesuit universities, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York. Canisius celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year, marking 150 years of Jesuit education and leadership in the city of Buffalo and Western New York. Visit https://www.canisius.edu/150 for more information about Canisius’ milestones and celebratory events.