Buffalo, NY – Canisius University announces the appointment of Irene Holohan-Moyer, PhD, as associate vice president for academic affairs. Holohan-Moyer brings nearly three decades of professional experience, including 23 years in higher education leadership, along with a proven track record in strategic planning, student success initiatives, and institutional effectiveness. Holohan-Moyer began work at Canisius on March 26.
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Holohan-Moyer to this new and vital leadership role at Canisius University," says Bridget Niland, JD, PhD, vice president for academic affairs. "Her extensive expertise in data-informed decision-making, student retention, and program assessment makes her exceptionally qualified to help advance our academic mission and support the development of innovative programs that serve our students and the Western New York community."
As associate vice president for academic affairs, Holohan-Moyer provides leadership for the university's registrar, institutional effectiveness, and teaching and learning offices. She plays a crucial role in developing new academic programs in high-demand areas and implementing the university's strategies for expanding post-secondary learning programs and activities in service to Canisius and the greater Buffalo region.
"I am very pleased to join the Canisius community and support the university’s students by collaborating with an exceptional team of faculty and staff,” says Holohan-Moyer. “Together, we will work to build on Canisius' strong academic foundation to create pathways that help our students thrive both during their time here and long after graduation."
Holohan-Moyer comes to Canisius from Daemen University, where she most recently served as associate vice president for institutional effectiveness and systems integration and Title III program director. In this capacity, she secured and managed a $2.23-million grant from the Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions Program. Her leadership contributed to notable improvements in student outcomes, including a 2.9% increase in four-year and 1.1% increase in six-year graduation rates for the 2015-2020 cohorts.
Prior to this, Holohan-Moyer served as registrar at Daemen University, where she managed all aspects of academic records and led the implementation of a new online degree audit system. This updated system included enhanced self-service functionality that greatly improved how students and faculty advisers track progress toward degree completion. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing student access and support services, including the creation of a one-stop concept that streamlined student access to essential services from financial aid to academic advising.
A respected scholar in higher education, Holohan-Moyer's research focuses on institutional strategies to improve time to degree completion. Her dissertation, "Finish in Four: Students describe their experiences with institutional strategies to improve time to degree," reflects her deep commitment to student success. She has also contributed to scholarly discourse through publications including a book chapter on equitable distribution of postsecondary access.
Holohan-Moyer holds a PhD in higher education, an EdM in college counseling and student personnel administration, and a BA in psychology, all from the State University of New York at Buffalo. As a recipient of the Minority Academic Achievement Program scholarship (currently Acker Scholars Program), she brings a personal understanding of the importance of educational access and support.
"Dr. Holohan-Moyer's data-driven approach to academic leadership and her demonstrated success in improving student outcomes align perfectly with our commitment to educational excellence," Niland adds. "Her leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our academic programs and preparing our students for success in an ever-changing world."
Canisius University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit university in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1870, it is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and the premier private university in Western New York. Through its seven schools and colleges, Canisius offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and programs, 65 master's programs, and a variety of professional degrees.
