Steve K. Stoute

President, Canisius University

Steve K. Stoute, JD became the 25th president of Canisius University in July 2022. He is the first person of color to lead Canisius and one of the youngest presidents in the institution's history.

As president, Stoute oversees the region's premier Jesuit institution with a compelling vision for the future. He espouses servant-leadership and asserts that Canisius' Catholic, Jesuit and urban distinctions make the institution uniquely positioned to educate students who see the needs of their community, understand their responsibility to act and are prepared to address the various crises faced by our society.

The theme of his presidency calls upon the entire Canisius community to RISE: Renew its commitment to justice; Inspire a new generation of leaders who challenge the status quo; Serve every person with love; and Empower others to do the same.

President Stoute has been widely recognized for his exemplary leadership, innovative approaches to higher education and commitment to community engagement.  As such, he has received numerous accolades, appointments and invitations to participate in high-profile panels and forums:  

His leadership has earned him appointments as co-chair of the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and to the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics. He also serves on the Board for the Commission on Independent College & Universities (CICU), which represents the interests of private higher education institutions in New York State.

President Stoute arrived at Canisius from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, where he was vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff. In these roles, he served as the university president's senior advisor, facilitating the implementation of the university's strategic plan, leading transformative institutional projects, and serving as liaison to the Board of Trustees.

He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Seton Hall University, a master's degree in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.