The College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) has appointed Michael Cannizzaro as associate dean for academic affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
A respected academic leader, Dr. Cannizzaro has demonstrated a strong commitment to faculty development, curriculum innovation and student success throughout his career. He has played a key role in strengthening academic programs, fostering strategic partnerships that expand training opportunities and addressing evolving workforce needs. His experience in accreditation and academic program development positions him well to help advance the college's educational mission.
Dr. Cannizzaro previously served as associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. He earned a Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Connecticut, an M.S. in communication disorders from the University of New Hampshire and a B.S. in speech pathology from Nazareth College of Rochester. He also completed postdoctoral training with Pfizer Global Research & Development.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Cannizzaro's research focuses on brain-behavior relationships in both typical and brain-injured populations. His work combines behavioral, linguistic, computational and neuroimaging approaches to better understand cognitively based communication disorders. In addition to his research and teaching, he brings clinical expertise as a speech-language pathologist, specializing in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurogenic communication disorders.
In his new role, Dr. Cannizzaro will help guide CNHS academic programs, support faculty and student success, and advance the college's efforts to meet health care training and workforce needs.