BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Canisius University Higher Education Leadership and Administration (HELA) Program brought home major awards from the annual New York State College Student Personnel Association (CSPA-NYS) Conference, held this year in Schenectady, NY. The conference theme, “Currents of Change: Energizing Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education,” celebrated innovation, collaboration and leadership for the future of higher education administration.
The Canisius team earned first place in the Esther Lloyd-Jones Case Study Competition, besting a series of competitive teams from both public and private colleges and universities across New York State.
The winning team included Jaquoi Dorsett MSEd ’27; Jadyn Moriarty MSEd ’27; and Ida Segmüller ’24, MSEd ’27.
The annual case study competition challenges graduate students to analyze a complex and timely issue facing higher education. Teams receive the case on-site at the conference and have just 24 hours to develop and deliver a research-informed, strategic, student-centered response. Their presentations are made before a panel of senior higher education executives—including vice presidents and deans from institutions across the state—who evaluate each team on their critical thinking, innovation, and professionalism.
“Our students came out on top due to our theory-to-practice approach at Canisius in the HELA program,” said Mark Harrington, EdD, associate professor and graduate program director of Higher Education Leadership and Administration. “We prepare our graduate students with the communication and leadership skills to serve higher education through a student-centered lens. Once they received the case, they worked intensely to craft a compelling and research-based solution. Their teamwork, professionalism and ability to think on their feet truly stood out. I couldn’t be prouder of how they represented Canisius and the values of Jesuit education that we integrate into our program’s curriculum.”
In addition to the team victory, Jenna Quinn MSEd ’26 was named the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year at the CSPA-NYS Annual Association Awards Luncheon. This prestigious award recognizes a graduate student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education in New York State who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, service and leadership to their institution.
“Jenna exemplifies the heart of higher education leadership,” said Harrington. “Her academic excellence, commitment to equity and inclusion and outstanding leadership as our Graduate Association President make her a true role model. I’m inspired by the passion and professionalism she brings to the classroom and the field, and I am confident she will make a lasting impact on higher education.”
The College Student Personnel Association of New York State (CSPA-NYS) is a professional organization that promotes the development of student affairs professionals and graduate students through networking, professional development, and the exchange of ideas. The annual conference provides a statewide forum for educators to explore emerging trends and practices shaping higher education.
Founded in 1870, Canisius University is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Located in Buffalo, N.Y., Canisius is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring, and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
