Niland introduced at Niagara University | Local News

A veteran college and sports lawyer has been named Dean of Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Bridget Niland joins NU from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo / Project Play WNY where she served as the director of Project Play Western New York, a collaboration with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Youth Sports Initiative to empower children to have this opportunity to live an active, healthy, and fun life through exercise. While working at Project Play WNY, Niland continued her role as Associate Professor of Business Administration at Daemen College, where she developed and expanded the college’s sports management specialization and oversaw the business law curriculum for 15 years.

As a faculty member at Daemen College, Niland held a variety of leadership positions including college program director for New York business and accounting programs, director of sports, and special assistant to the president. Prior to Daemen, Niland was a visiting lecturer at Ball State University, Niagara University, and the State University of New York in Buffalo. Niland has also published and presented on a range of topics including gambling and college sports, managing the maze in a pandemic for high school graduates of 2020, and gender in sports.

In addition to her educational experience, Niland worked as an assistant and then assistant director for academic and membership affairs for the NCAA. After leaving the NCAA, she continued to serve as an academic and membership advisor, as well as Division I membership issues. Niland began her career as a practicing attorney with the US District Court System and the US Department of Justice.

Widely recognized for her leadership and work, Niland received the Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” award, was elected three times in the Buffalo Business First Power 100 for Women, and received the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Athena Young Professional Award. She was inducted into the Western New York Running Hall of Fame, the Williamsville Central School District Wall of Fame, and the University of Buffalo Athletics Hall of Fame.

Niland earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, Political Science and Law and her Ed.M. in Education Leadership and University Policy Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also holds a Doctor of Laws from SUNY Buffalo School of Law and is currently doing her Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Political University Administration from UB.