D'YOUVILLE UNIVERSITY 11 WINTER 2026 CAMPUS NEWS D’Youville University appointed Dr. David T.R. Stewart as the dean of the School of Arts, Science and Education following his successful tenure as interim dean. Stewart brings over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership to his role, along with a deep commitment to advancing D’Youville’s mission of preparing students to lead and serve in an ever-changing world. Since joining D’Youville in 2013, Stewart has held several key academic leadership positions, including associate dean and interim dean, and he has played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s approach to academic program development, assessment and general education. D’Youville was named a recipient of the 2025 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The award honors schools across the United States that show exceptional leadership in creating environments where students succeed, feel a strong sense of belonging, and are prepared to make a difference in their communities. D’Youville was among only 28 institutions selected and was featured in the October issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity, the nation’s oldest and largest publication dedicated to inclusive excellence in higher education. D’Youville honored with national HEED Award School of Arts, Science & Education names dean D’Youville again went up in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking its fourth consecutive year of upward movement. In the 2026 rankings, D’Youville is placed at No. 242 among National Universities, up 17 places from last year’s rankings. In addition to its overall rise, D’Youville earned several distinctions in this year’s rankings: • No. 1 Private University in Buffalo • No. 14 nationwide in earnings above a high school diploma (3 in NY) • No. 101 in Social Mobility (2 in WNY) “These rankings reflect what we see every day at D’Youville: students from every background empowered to achieve, thrive and lead in ways that change communities,” said DYU President Dr. Lorrie Clemo. D’Youville was again recognized among the nation’s top NCAA Division II institutions for academic achievement, earning the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for the third consecutive year. D’Youville has earned this honor every year since becoming a full-time NCAA Division II member, underscoring the university’s sustained commitment to academic excellence. The award honors Division II athletics programs that achieve an Academic Success Rate of 90 percent or higher, a distinction reached by just 43 colleges and universities nationwide. “Our student-athletes’ commitment in the classroom is remarkable,” said Ona Halladay, vice president for athletics and planning. “I am continually inspired by their ability to excel both academically and athletically and to pursue their goals with such discipline and purpose.” Saints earn Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence again Climbing the ranks in U.S. News’ Best College list D’Youville University launched the Peer Wellness Ambassador Program in January, an innovative initiative that engages graduate students as trained, trauma-informed wellness leaders who promote student wellbeing, bystander intervention and the prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Housed within Student Affairs and operating through the Wellness Lodge, the program empowers graduate students to serve as visible, approachable leaders on campus. PWAs foster a culture of care through proactive outreach, peer education and engagement focused on mental health, personal safety and violence prevention. Ambassadors also connect students to campus and community resources while supporting awareness events and informal peer support. DYU launches Peer Wellness Ambassador Program
