Buffalo, NY - On Thursday, March 20, President Steve Stoute and the Canisius University Board of Trustees shared plans with the campus community for President Stoute to take a temporary leave of absence. The purpose of his leave is to allow him to support and care for a member of his immediate family who is battling a serious health issue. President Stoute’s leave will take him out of the U.S. to Trinidad, where he grew up and where much of his family lives.
The circumstances that require President Stoute to take this temporary leave mean that the exact date of his return cannot be determined. However, President Stoute, the Board of Trustees, and university leadership expect him to return to campus and resume his duties in due time. Until then, the university requests respect for the privacy of President Stoute and his family during this difficult period. During President Stoute’s leave, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Harold Fields, EdD, will serve as officer in charge, working with the Senior Leadership Team in conducting the day-to-day business of the university.
When Dr. Fields joined Canisius in May 2022, he brought over a decade of professional experience in higher education administration. Since then, he has served as a key strategic partner, advised the president on current developments in higher education as they relate to student affairs, and cultivated positive relationships across campus.
Should essential university business require President Stoute’s involvement, the university has established procedures to engage him. Outside of that unlikely scenario, Vice President Fields, together with the rest of the senior leadership team that manages the university, will continue to implement Canisius’ strategy and maintain its positive momentum.
