Learn about our members

Professional Associates (PA) is a community of nearly 50 educators, scientists, innovators, business leaders, policymakers, and professionals who bring their real-world experience to support Fort Lewis College. Members share a commitment to strengthening student learning, enriching faculty teaching, and advancing community partnerships across the Four Corners.

Expertise across disciplines

PA members represent seven core areas of expertise:

  • Medicine, public health, and life sciences
  • Engineering, physical sciences, and technology
  • Environmental science and ecology
  • Education, sociology, and community development
  • Arts, communication, and humanities
  • Leadership, strategy, and organizational management
  • Law, policy, and government service

This breadth of knowledge allows PA members to serve as guest lecturers, mentors, advisors, and collaborators—bringing valuable insight to classrooms, academic programs, and community initiatives.

History and purpose

Professional Associates was established in 1999 by President Kendall Blanchard as a strategic advisory group. Since then, its role has expanded to include direct support for students, faculty, and community programming—while maintaining a strong advisory partnership with college leadership.

Meet our members

Each member brings a unique background and perspective to Fort Lewis College. Browse the directory below to explore individual bios, professional experience, and areas of expertise.

Steven B Canter

canterstudio@me.com

Profession: Architect

Education and Credentials

  • BA, Fort Lewis College, Major: Business; Minor: Psychology
  • BArch, University of Arizona
  • NCARB Board-Certified Architect (Licensed in Arizona, Colorado, and California)
  • Member, American Institute of Architects
  • LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Energy Manager, and EDAC Certified (Evidence-Based Design)

Current Role

  • Canter Studio – Specializing in design programming, planning, and workplace/residential design.
  • Developed projects for the Prescott, AZ, Preservation Commission, including a Homeowner’s Guide to Historic Preservation, which received an Arizona Governor’s Award.
  • Passionate about the art and science of architecture, Steve works both independently and with organizations, focusing on sustainable living environments and maximizing capital real estate asset value.

Previous Experience

  • Moshe Safdie & Associates – Planning and design for internationally acclaimed architecture firm. Contributed to urban condominium design, office innovation, and executive education facility planning. Served on Harvard Business School campus master planning team with published projects. Served as Adjunct Design Faculty at Boston Architectural Center.
  • Abacus Project Management – Managed construction projects for the Arizona School Facilities Board, overseeing public school renovations. Also served as a lender's representative for diverse projects, including a Mayo Clinic laboratory/research building, urban apartments, retail centers, and resorts. Also worked with the Navajo Nation.
  • Public Sector – As facility planner, led Tulare County, CA’s Capital Projects Division, and served as Campus Architect for Arizona State University’s West Campus where he led an Energy Management Task Force which earned an Arizona Governor’s Award.

Civic and Community Activities

  • Rotarian since 1988 – Committed to Rotary’s RYLA youth programs, currently a member of the Rotary eClub of SW USA, engaging with members across six continents.
  • Board Member – Served on the Boards of Directors for the YMCA and Project Shelter Inc. in Prescott, AZ.
  • Community Involvement – Performs Firewise property condition assessments for local fire districts and supports disability access advocacy in Arizona and California.

Personal Interests

A Sonoran Desert native, Steve is deeply engaged in architecture’s relationship with human habitation and history which he views as a slow dance on the landscape. He had the privilege of working with the late Dr. Emil Haury, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at the University of Arizona, on a proposed project for a Snaketown National Monument.

- Beyond architecture, Steve enjoys

  • Hiking and backpacking in Arizona and Colorado
  • Art and craftsmanship, including painting, sculpture, enamel work, and photography
  • Music appreciation and skiing, a sport he first learned at Fort Lewis College