Daemen University President Gary A. Olson delivered the spring State of the University address on April 24, highlighting strategic planning conducted over the past decade to set the institution up for sustainability and growth amid the enrollment cliff. 
“The cliff did, in fact, begin in 2025 and some institutions are cutting jobs, programs, and majors,” said Olson. “Despite these trends, Daemen has experienced two exceedingly good years during the cliff period to-date. We finished 2025 in a very strong position and the present year has been even stronger,” he said.
Olson touted the impressive launch of three pivotal plans—the $40 million comprehensive campaign, strategic plan, and master plan—in one semester. “This is a huge accomplishment, and a tangible example of our continued forward momentum,” he said.
He celebrated the New York State Board of Regents’ approval to amend Daemen’s charter to offer academic doctorates, the first of which is a PhD in Behavioral Science. “This has been a long-sought-after goal, and is a major step forward for Daemen as an institution because the PhD is considered the highest degree that can be awarded in the United States.”
Olson also shared an update about Daemen Hall’s future. After appointing a high-level steering committee last year to provide recommendations for additional refurbishments, Olson shared that the entire building, excluding the bistro, will become the new home of the physician assistant program. 
Olson noted another productive year for athletics, recognizing the men’s and women’s basketball teams—both of which were repeat East Coast Conference Champions—and lauding all the Division II athletics programs, coaches, and staff.
In closing, he shared his appreciation for all attendees, saying, “I would like to thank each and every one of you for everything you do every day to make our great university such a special place, even in these turbulent times.”