Buffalo, NY – Canisius University announced today that Kevin M. Smith has been named vice president for enrollment management, moving from the interim role he has held since February 2026 into a permanent appointment. As the university’s chief enrollment officer, Smith sets the strategic direction for undergraduate and graduate recruitment, admissions and financial aid. He also works closely with the offices of Academic and Student Affairs to support retention and student success.
Smith joined Canisius in 1998 as director of student accounts and has held positions of increasing responsibility across the university’s enrollment and student financial services operations. A Canisius alumnus, he holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in business administration from the university.
“Kevin brings to this role a deep understanding of the university and a genuine belief in the value of a Canisius education,” said President Steve Stoute. “He knows this university, he knows our students and families, and he understands what makes a Canisius education distinctive. I am confident he will bring that perspective and experience to this important leadership role.”
Since stepping into the interim position of vice president, Smith has led the implementation of a data-informed strategic enrollment plan and has also overseen a $33 million institutional financial aid budget and initiatives designed to strengthen recruitment, yield and partnerships.
“I’m proud to take on this role at a university that has meant so much to me, both personally and professionally,” said Smith. “The enrollment team works every day with students and families to help make a Canisius education possible, and I look forward to building on what this team has accomplished and strengthening our efforts to support enrollment and student success.”
Smith previously served as assistant vice president and director of student records and financial services. In this role, he oversaw student billing, financial aid, student records and related services, and led strategic initiatives involving tuition, financial aid, retention and student success. As co-chair of Canisius’ Student Retention Committee, he helped develop at-risk student modeling, outreach initiatives for unregistered and stop-out students, and a student success team model connecting students with faculty, financial aid, career and success support.
In addition to his leadership at Canisius, Smith is active in national and regional professional organizations, including the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
