Jennifer Burris

About the President

Dr. Jennifer Burris has been named the 11th president of Buffalo State University. “I was drawn to this position because of Buffalo State’s place as SUNY’s urban-engaged anchor institution, a powerhouse for social mobility that creates life-changing opportunities for first-generation and transfer students. 

Dr. Burris’s leadership philosophy is grounded in shared governance, transparency, and valuing the contributions of every individual. She is deeply committed to advancing student success across academic and non-academic spaces, while also cultivating strong external partnerships with community members and donors to strengthen the university’s mission and resources. 

Dr. Burris is a physicist by training and holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from Colorado State University and a B.S. in Applied Science (Physics Concentration) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Photo by Nolan Metcalf