Brian Canavan

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I currently serve as Senior Associate Registrar at MIT with a focus on the systems that support students, faculty and staff at the Institute. Upon graduating from St. Mike’s, I worked for the local telephone company as an Engineer before deciding to return to graduate school for a Masters in Education with a focus on Higher Education. From that point, I have spent close to 25 years working on college campuses in the areas of student life and academic administration.

When I was recruited and hired by an SMC alumnus my senior year, I was told that my candidacy was strong due to my ability to think logically and solve complex problems coupled with leadership skills I developed in various roles on campus. As my career has progressed, the analytical skills I refined as a math major have continued to drive my interests and my work. I love working on campus but have settled into positions where I am involved in software development cycles from a business perspective. I am charged with understanding business processes across campus while at the same time having enough technical acumen to communicate with technical teams. Indeed, I am using the same math and leadership skills in my current position that were critical in landing my first job 27 years ago.

My years at St. Mike’s were foundational and strongly influenced my career path from many perspectives. Though I admit to not recalling specific proofs, theories, or even content of the different areas of math, I can confidently say that the training I received in those classes are continuously used in my day-to-day work. I am most appreciative of the opportunities provided to me by the faculty and staff at St. Mike’s, many of whom are still on campus.