
Buffalo, NY - For generations, Bridget Niland’s family has been part of the Canisius University story. Today, she begins her own chapter as Niland steps into the role of vice president for academic affairs. Niland brings extensive academic experience, an inspiring vision and deep ties to the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Niland to this crucial leadership role at Canisius University,” says President Steve Stoute. “Her proven track record in higher education combined with her lifelong connection to the Western New York community – and ties to Canisius – make her uniquely qualified to help shape our academic future.”
As vice president for academic affairs, Niland will advance the university’s strategic agenda and foster interdisciplinary collaboration while upholding Canisius University’s rigorous academic standards. Her responsibilities include oversight of curriculum development, faculty affairs and strategic academic initiatives.
“I am truly honored and humbled to join the Canisius community and the esteemed academic affairs unit,” Niland says. “My father, uncles and many relatives earned their degrees at Canisius. Like so many Western New York families, Canisius and the Jesuit higher education model changed the trajectory of our lives.”
Niland comes to Canisius with more than 20 years of higher education experience. She most recently served as dean of the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management at Niagara University. During her tenure, Niland championed the growth of these academic disciplines, expanded student career opportunities, and elevated the overall student experience.
“Canisius has truly been the touchstone for higher education in Western New York,” Niland adds. “It is not just the place where leaders are made, but where lives have been changed. Buffalo is at its best when Canisius is thriving. President Stoute and the talented Canisius community have crafted an inclusive strategy to navigate the challenges of the 21st century and write the next chapter of success for this storied institution and its faculty, staff and graduates.”
Prior to Niagara, Niland spent 15 years as an associate professor of business administration at Daemen University, developing the sport management specialization and overseeing the business law curriculum. She also held several key leadership positions including director of the school’s New York City business and accounting programs and director of athletics. In this latter position, Niland successfully led the school’s transition to NCAA Division II membership, added four new sport programs and established the nationally recognized Center for Allied Unified Sports and Exercise (CAUSE).
A respected scholar, Niland has published and presented extensively on topics that range from gambling and collegiate athletics to gender in sport, and collegiate coaching contracts.
As mentioned, Niland’s appointment at Canisius marks a homecoming of sorts. Her father, the late Joseph P. Niland Sr. ’46 and uncle, the late Thomas J. Niland Jr. ’47, both played basketball for the Golden Griffins and went on to have distinguished coaching careers. Joe Niland put Canisius basketball on the national map during his five seasons as head coach, compiling a 76-61 record. Tom Niland built LeMoyne College’s basketball program from the ground up, leading seven teams to the NCAA Division II Tournament during his 26-year tenure. The Niland family legacy at Canisius counts 12 family members among its alumni.
Beyond academia, Niland maintains deep roots in the Western New York community through her service on the board of the Community Action Organization and as a facilitator for Cornerstone Sport WNY, an initiative of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Project Play WNY. She previously served on the boards of Destination Niagara Falls, Visit Buffalo, the Miracle League of WNY and the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, to which she was inducted in 2024. Niland’s induction honored her distinguished track and cross-country career at the University at Buffalo, where she broke records, won conference championships, and made history as the first student-athlete appointed to the NCAA’s Division I Management Council.
Niland’s community impact has earned widespread recognition. She holds Woman of Distinction Awards from both the New York State Assembly and the Erie County Legislature and was named to Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 List in 1998 and Power 100 for Women in 2015-2017.
“Dr. Niland’s dedication to making a positive impact on the people she serves directly reflects the values we aim to instill in our students,” President Stoute adds. “Her leadership will not only help strengthen our connections to the Western New York community but inspire our students to become active and engaged citizens leaders.”
Niland holds a PhD in higher education leadership and policy from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, where she also earned a JD. She is admitted to practice law in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, New York State, and U.S. District Court.
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.