Opening Remarks and Introduction
To the chairs of the College Senate and Professional Staff Caucus, our distinguished guests, our esteemed faculty and staff, our students, alumni, and friends of the university—good afternoon!
Yesterday, we celebrated the founding of our beloved institution, an educational beacon that first lit its lamp on 14th Street and Normal Avenue, in the building that is now Grover Cleveland High School. Today, we come together in this hallowed space of Rockwell Hall on Elmwood Avenue, not merely to reminisce about our past, but to honor a legacy that spans an impressive 152 years—a legacy of empowering students, igniting lifelong passions for learning, and fostering success that echoes through generations.
Marked by eight name changes since our founding on September 13, 1871, Buffalo State has evolved from a teacher’s college into a comprehensive institution of higher learning. From the humble, yet ambitious beginnings of the Buffalo Normal School, we have journeyed to become Buffalo State University, a unique gem in the SUNY system. As we embark on the first full academic year under our new moniker, I stand before you today, not merely as your interim president, but as a fellow member of this vibrant community, privileged, proud, and honored to deliver our first State of the University address.
We stand at the intersection of our rich history and an exciting future. We reflect on past triumphs, acknowledge present challenges, and chart a course illuminated by hope and ambition. This state of transition we find ourselves in is not a divergence from our path, but a testament to our enduring growth. As we lean into our collective hopes, we seize the opportunity to shape our future, a future that resonates with the echoes of our past and the aspirations of our present.
So, let us begin this address today, not as individuals, but as a united force, ready to build on our past, face our challenges, and seize the opportunities of our future—collaboratively, collectively, and collegially.
Acknowledgements
But, before we delve into the state of our university, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the notable guests and stakeholders who grace this gathering today. Your presence is a testament to your unwavering support for Buffalo State and your dedication to our shared mission. Your contributions, commitment, and passion are the driving forces behind the success of this institution.
To our esteemed faculty, your tireless dedication to teaching, research, and service has shaped the minds of countless students, preparing them to tackle the challenges of the world. True to our mission, your expertise and passion have ignited a love for learning that have lasted a lifetime—the evidence of this is seen in the alumni who bleed black and orange and have gone on to do amazing things in their careers and personal lives. Over the last 25-plus years, whenever I meet an alum, they talk about how their time on this campus has changed their lives for the better.
To our dedicated professional and support staffs, you are the backbone of this university, ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently. Your commitment to excellence and unwavering support creates an environment where our students can thrive.
I cannot overlook the significance of our alumni, who are not only a part of our rich history but also key contributors to our bright future. Your success stories, forged on this campus and carried into the world, are a testament to the power of a Buffalo State education. We celebrate your accomplishments and are grateful for your continued engagement and support. Your commitment to giving back, be it through mentorship, philanthropy, or advocacy, strengthens our community and enriches the educational experience for our current students.
And last but not least, to our students, you are the heart and soul of Buffalo State. Your drive, curiosity, and perseverance inspire us every day. You are the reason we are here, and we are committed to providing you with the tools and support necessary to achieve your dreams.
Together, we are Buffalo State University—a community that celebrates diversity, embraces excellence, and transforms lives through education. Let us now embark on this journey together, as we explore the state of our university and chart a course towards a future of boundless possibilities.
Review of the Past Year
As I have reviewed the past academic year, I am filled with pride and admiration for the remarkable achievements that you all have made.
We will begin by highlighting our academic advancements, followed by acknowledging the commendable contributions of our staff, students, and alumni. In line with our dedication to social justice, we will also emphasize our efforts in fostering an inclusive, equitable, and socially aware environment.
Our review will also cover our successful fundraising initiatives and cost-effective strategies, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Finally, we will celebrate our ultimate institutional achievements—commencement and accreditation.
As we navigate through this past year’s journey, let’s remember that these accomplishments form the building blocks of our legacy, linking us with our past, and guiding us towards our future, shaping the trajectory of Buffalo State University’s ultimate destiny.
Academics
Degree Programs
In the realm of degree programs, Buffalo State University has shown itself to be an academic pioneer. We are proud to have become the only college or university in North America to offer a dual graduate degree in conservation. As of fall 2022, students entering the three-year program in the Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department now earn an M.A. in the conservation of art and cultural heritage along with an M.S. in conservation science and imaging. This innovative dual degree approach allows our students to focus on conservation treatment theory, practice, and ethics through the M.A. portion, while the M.S. portion hones their understanding of the sciences and imaging, encompassing chemistry, physics, and materials science, as well as optics, industrial photography, and computational photography.
Grants
The past year also brought us significant success in securing grants that have enabled us to expand our research capabilities and enhance our academic offerings. The Hospitality and Tourism Department was awarded a $30,000 research grant from the Statler Foundation.
Meanwhile, our Criminal Justice colleagues, Scott Phillips and Dae-Young Kim, secured a $49,615 grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Criminal Justice Research Consortium.
Our Speech-Language Pathology Department received a $38,000 grant from the Parkinson’s Voice Project, underscoring our commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives.
Additionally, Dr. Andrew Hashey secured the prestigious SUNY Innovative Instructional Technology Grant (IITG-II). His pioneering work involves using specialized video software to allow teacher candidates to observe and critique their own teaching practices. This groundbreaking approach to instruction not only enhances our pedagogical strategies but also underscores our commitment to leveraging technology for the advancement of our educational methodology.
Lastly, Professor Lorena Mathien from the Business Department was chosen for a prestigious Fulbright Specialist project at the International School of Business at the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, which she attended in June 2023.
Faculty/Student Engagement
The past year also witnessed a surge in faculty-student engagement. A notable example is the creation of the “Inaugural Urban STEM Symposium” by Douglas Hoston Jr., a PRODiG visiting scholar with the Social and Psychological Foundations of Education and Adult Education Department and a former completion coach at Buffalo State. This groundbreaking workshop, held in our own Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall, was designed to boost the confidence of incoming freshmen from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in STEM disciplines, and to equip them with the tools needed to earn a degree in these fields.
Notable Research
I'm thrilled to share the recent advancements in faculty research at Buffalo State University.
Buffalo State University’s faculty research has made impressive advancements. Assistant Professor Clemon George’s work on HIV prevention in the Caribbean has been published in a health-focused journal, contributing to the understanding of the virus.
In the English Department, Professors David Ben-Merre and Macy Todd have published intriguing studies on the relationship between poetry and crossword puzzles and on numbers and romantic comedies, respectively.
In the realm of political science, Professor Vida Vanchan offered fresh insights on the global economy and production dynamics during crises in an international webinar.
Faculty Distinction
Over the past year, the esteemed faculty at Buffalo State University have notably distinguished themselves in their respective fields, bringing honor to our institution.
Among them is Aimable Twagilimana, a professor of English, who was elevated to the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees. This prestigious title is awarded to faculty members demonstrating excellence and distinction in their profession, thereby bringing honor to the State University of New York.
Furthermore, the academic year of 2022–2023 saw several faculty members recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards.
In the realm of teaching, James Maloney, a lecturer in Exceptional Education, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. Ricky L. Fleming, professor and director of bands in the Music Department, was bestowed with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Meanwhile, Kathy R. Doody, an associate professor from the Exceptional Education Department, took home the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Equally commendable are the recipients of the President’s Awards. Additionally, Kevin Williams, Ph.D., an associate professor in Earth Sciences, was recognized for his exceptional service. The President’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creativity was conferred upon Mark Fulk, Ph.D., and Peter J. Ramos, Ph.D., both associate professors in English, and Alexander Karatayev Ph.D., a professor and director at the Great Lakes Center.
While we don’t have time to go through all of the accomplishments of the past academic year, these accolades epitomize the dedication, hard work, and commitment of Buffalo State University’s faculty, underlining our unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Staff Achievements
Our staff have truly gone above and beyond this past year. Officer Amanda Mesi was recognized by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association for her life-saving actions. Luanne Jarosz, our supervising housekeeper from Facilities Management, was honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. Furthermore, Maria B. Brickhouse, coordinator for the Academic Center for Excellence, and Michael J. Lewis, senior director of administrative operations, were each honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Lastly, the President’s Award for Excellence in Service to the University was awarded to Andrea Hoehman and Julie Wholf, both administrative assistants in the Exceptional Education and Elementary Education, Literacy, and Educational Leadership departments, respectively.
Student Achievements
In the sphere of academic awards, community service, extracurriculars, and athletics, the students have truly excelled. One of our media production majors, Jacob J. Fleming Sr., was recognized as a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact for his dedication to effecting positive change, not only locally but across the globe.
In the world of athletics, our track and field team had an exceptional year. Standout athletes Nat Sawyer and Shevaughn Allen both secured First Team All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships. Notably, Sawyer shattered both the school and SUNYAC records in the 400-meter dash, while Allen demonstrated his skills in the triple jump. Their extraordinary performances continued with both athletes claiming national titles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, marking a historic moment for Buffalo State University with a male and female athlete clinching national titles in the same outdoor season.
Alumni Achievements
Our alumni have also achieved great things, with many being recognized in Buffalo Business First’s 2022 Power 200 Women list, where 10% of the list comprised of Buffalo State alumnae, including our Council Chair, Linda Dobmeier, and a Foundation Board member, Tracy Sawicki. We also had at least three of our alumnae on Business First’s 40 under 40 list.
Six alumni were recognized for their contributions to the campus community with the 2022 Buffalo State University Distinguished Alumnus Award, and a 2019 graduate was awarded the Young Alumnus Achievement Award. These awards and recognitions, underscore the accomplishments of our alumni.
Social Justice
Our commitment to social justice continued to shine through various initiatives. The Buffalo State University Foundation established the 5.14 Memorial Scholarship to support Buffalo State students from Buffalo’s 14208 ZIP code area. Associate Provost Amitra A. Wall was appointed as a fellow to the May 14th Memorial Commission, where she will collaborate with students to analyze data from a community survey. Zeruiah Shadwick was also awarded Buffalo State’s 2023 George Floyd Memorial Scholarship.
Anne Frank Project
Under the stewardship of Distinguished Professor Drew Kahn, 12 students, three faculty and staff members, and two community members embarked on a 15-day journey to Rwanda, Africa. There, they trained over 100 Rwandan teachers in story-based learning. This was the tenth Buffalo State delegation brought to Rwanda by our Anne Frank Project.
The Anne Frank Project also hosted its 14th annual Social Justice Festival, a celebration of stories from various disciplines that foster community, manage conflict, and explore identity.
Community Partnerships and DEI Engagement
Our commitment to the community and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) was evident in our partnerships and engagement efforts. The Burchfield Penney Art Center received the Award of Distinction in the Engaging Communities category at the 2023 Museum Association of New York Annual Conference. Buffalo State also hosted the educational conference “Pursuit of Ruth: May 14 Remembrance, Recovery, and Prevention of Hate” to counter the Tops Market shooting in Buffalo.
Social Mobility
In terms of social mobility, Buffalo State ranked highly in the U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Colleges rankings, showcasing our commitment to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Cost-Saving Measures
In terms of cost-saving measures, we’ve been innovative and resourceful. For example, the Theater Department’s Costume Shop Manager Erica Fire underwent a Sewing Machine Repair Technician Certification program, allowing her to service over 100 sewing machines across three departments at Buffalo State, resulting in significant cost savings.
Fundraising Achievement
In terms of fundraising, Buffalo State has led all SUNY comprehensives for the past two years, and we anticipate repeating this achievement for a third year with over $8 million dollars in secured funds for this year!
Our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) continued the Bengal Entrepreneurship Program for budding entrepreneurs on campus, thanks to a two-year grant from Bank of America. This program has offered our students a unique opportunity to develop and refine their business proposals.
As a significant milestone, the completion and naming of the Donn Youngstrom Anne Frank Project Global Learning Lab was realized, thanks to over $2 million in gifts from Donn Youngstrom to the Anne Frank Project.
Commencement
To cap off the academic year, at our 151st Commencement celebration, upon the recommendation of the faculty, this institution conferred degrees on nearly 1,300 undergraduate and more than 500 graduate students bearing the seal of Buffalo State University, for the first time. We were honored to have distinguished speakers and to present the President’s Distinguished Service Award to three exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to our community.
Accreditation
The most significant accomplishments that underscores our commitment to excellence is the status of our accreditations—no more so than Middle States.
Middle States
Following a comprehensive evaluation, which included visits to our Buffalo campus and International Graduate Programs for Educators (IGPE) locations in Brazil, Colombia, and Qatar, the MSCHE commended our institution. The report praised our dedication to diversity and inclusion, our student-focused systems, alignment of resources with our mission, and our unique partnership with schools participating in the IGPE program. Additionally, they recognized the clarity and brevity of our self-study process.
Our journey towards excellence is a continuous one. As part of this process, a supplemental information report is due in September 2024, which will provide more details on our efforts to enhance key indicators of student success and periodic assessments of student support programs. We will also undergo a midpoint review in 2027, and the next self-study evaluation is scheduled for 2030–2031.
Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language
I am excited to announce another major accomplishment in our pursuit of academic excellence—the continuation of accreditation for our graduate education program in speech-language pathology.
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) conducted a review from July 19–22, 2023, and has extending the program’s accreditation. This renewal is valid for eight years, starting on March 1, 2023, and ending on February 28, 2031. The CAA’s decision was based on a comprehensive review of our program, which included an evaluation of our candidacy, initial accreditation, and re-accreditation.
A heartfelt gratitude to the Buffalo State University community—these accreditation achievements not only demonstrate our compliance with established standards for quality assurance processes of higher education institutions nationwide but also attest to our dedication to providing an outstanding educational experience for our students.
Highlight Summation
As you can see from this brief sample of highlights, Buffalo State University has been a beacon of countless accomplishments and significant milestones. Undeniably, we face challenges, but it’s important not to overshadow the immense strides we've taken. The achievements we’ve garnered over the past year stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and demonstrate our resilience in the face of adversity. As we forge ahead, we must continue to revel in our successes, utilizing them as steppingstones propelling us towards a brighter, promising future.
Structural Deficit
Let’s look at our structural deficit for a moment. The structural deficit is calculated by comparing the total number of institution employees to the current number of enrolled students. In fall 2012, when enrollment was about 10,000 students, our total number of employees was about 1,400. By fall 2022, enrollment had dropped to about 5,900 and our employee base was 1,200. So, in essence, the employment numbers were not trending with enrollment numbers. Now there are many intricate reasons and explanations for this that I won’t have time to go into today. But the bottom line is without being able to increase significant sources of other non-tuition revenue, we were forced into using reserves to cover our personnel expenses for several years.
Following this trend of declining enrollment and a static employee base, we had calculated a structural deficit of $24 million for 2022–2023. However, after last year’s budget was reconciled, we are showing a $16.5 million structural deficit as of June 30, 2023. The mitigating circumstances that brought us to this number include:
- Not completing collective bargaining contract negotiations in time to be included in the 2022-2023 budget;
- Utility payments that came in lower than the budgeted amounts; and
- Increases in revenue collections.
Now that collective bargaining negotiations have been completed, we will have additional expenses to cover the salary agreement for the next four years totaling $11.4 million. Also, we are looking at less than two years of operating funds remaining in our reserves.
Sustainability (Deficit Management) Plan
In developing the sustainability deficit management plan required by SUNY, we benchmarked our institution against five other SUNY institutions with similar enrollment numbers. We learned that our expenses on average are running about 20% higher than others in the peer group. So, we still have some work to do with addressing this structural deficit.
Our Current Strategic Priorities
When I arrived on campus three-and-a-half months ago, I told you that my anticipated time as your interim president would not be sufficient to address certain long-term issues such as the structural deficit and the strategic plan. I identified three strategic priorities, however, to prepare for a new permanent president. These priorities are: enrollment, non-tuition revenue, and campus climate and culture.
Enrollment
I am delighted to share the promising state of enrollment at Buffalo State University. Our comprehensive initiatives, spanning from recruitment through to graduation, seem to have arrested our decline and put us on an upward trend in a few key areas. Generally, we have not experienced difficulty in attracting students to our institution. Our ongoing challenge has been to retain these bright minds and guide them to graduation.
While we have not reached the freeze file date and final enrollment numbers yet, our preliminary data for this semester indicates a steady enrollment level, matching that of the previous fall. This stability is a significant improvement considering the average loss of approximately 740 students we experienced over the past three fall semesters. Furthermore, we are anticipating an impressive 17% increase in first-time students and a 20% surge in new transfers.
We are also seeing a promising upward trend in retention rates in both commuter and residential students, surpassing our projected planned 2% annual increase. Preliminary numbers suggest an overall improvement of 5% from last year. Our academic schools have followed suit, with increases ranging from 4.4% to 7.5%. Now, without final numbers, I cannot say this for certain, but it looks like the prize for the largest cohort increase in retention (if there really was a prize) goes to our EOP director and staff, which seems to have made a remarkable leap with a 20% increase in retention!
In addition, our residence hall occupancy has experienced a substantial growth, housing nearly 1,900 students, up from 1,650 last year. This appears to be a 6.2% increase reflecting a growing community of both first-year and continuing residents.
These encouraging trends in retention and residence hall occupancy are vital in offsetting our structural deficit and demonstrating positive financial stability for Buffalo State University. It is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence, social engagement, and financial support for our students.
As we move forward, we aim to enrich our students’ experience beyond academics. We are enhancing our campus life with engaging activities and comprehensive financial support systems to help every student succeed. Our upcoming events, including Bengals Dare to Care Day, the Welcome Back Social sponsored by the Indigenous Initiatives Caucus, Homecoming Week, The Anne Frank Project’s 15th Annual Social Justice Festival, the Beyond Boundaries Film and Discussion Series, our numerous sporting events and, of course, our once-in-a-lifetime Year of the Eclipse celebration activities, are just a few examples of our vibrant campus life.
Recognizing the importance of safety and security, we have established a committee to assess and improve these aspects in our residence halls. Alongside this, our commitment to student well-being is reflected in our comprehensive mental health initiatives, including telecounseling services, expanded support groups, and a Traveling Counselor/Hall Liaison program.
These developments represent a hopeful future for Buffalo State University. Our unwavering dedication to student success, both academically and personally, is the driving force behind these positive trends. We will continue our efforts to make Buffalo State University a nurturing, supportive, and exciting place to study and grow.
Non-Tuition Revenue
We have many opportunities to increase non-tuition revenue through collaborations with partner agencies, organizations, and outside entities. And we can also increase the use of our facilities to meet the needs of partners while offering novel and steady sources of revenue for our campus.
In addition, all campus venues are migrating to the use of technology, 25 Live, for space and event management. This will result in better communication about space availability for large rentals. New payment methods are being developed to improve customer service, maximize payment receipts, and enable better financial tracking to inform decision making.
Campus Climate
While the enhancement of our campus climate and morale is the last strategic priority I’m addressing, it is arguably the most critical to our future success. We must prioritize fostering an atmosphere of transparency, respect, and inclusivity for each other and our students. We must also strive to break down the walls between divisions and collaborate with our colleagues in other departments who are subject matter experts in their fields and can support our work. It’s through this culture that we can truly succeed.
Buffalo State’s future success heavily relies on our shared governance structure. Enhancing the coordination between the College Council, College Senate, and President’s Cabinet and senior staff is paramount. As you have often heard me say, we may not always agree with each other, and we don’t have to love each other, but we must work together for the common good of our students and our institution.
The president serves as the chief administrative officer of the campus and provides leadership in all areas of the institution. While I may delegate the authority to my cabinet to manage the day-to-day operations of the university, this delegation does not mean that I cede my ultimate fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the institution is operating in a legal and ethical manner that is in the best interests of the institution and its stakeholders. It is a responsibility that I take seriously and will continue to uphold. Let me be clear, for as long as I remain in this role – the buck stops with me.
You will have a chance in spring of 2024 to test and affirm our success with enriching our campus climate as a second climate survey is scheduled to be administered. I hope you will all participate when the survey is released.
Future Vision and Plans
If all goes according to plan, the top five candidates for the 10th president of our institution will be on campus next month, and my tenure as your interim president will have reached its midpoint. I have laid out my three strategic priorities to set a foundation to positively impact enrollment, alternative sources of revenue, and the campus culture and climate, and have moved aggressively toward those ends.
I stand before you today, not as the final solution or the ultimate authority, but as the bridge that connects our past with our future. In this moment, we find ourselves amid a transition that is as challenging as it is exhilarating.
Nestled in the cultural corridor of New York State’s second-largest city, I truly believe that we are poised to become the flagship comprehensive university within the SUNY system!
However, the realization of this vision does not rest solely on the shoulders of the next president, but on each and every member of our community: the Council, the Senate, the Foundation, the administration, the faculty, staff, and students, and our alumni. We are all co-authors of the next chapter of our university’s history, and it is our collective determination and resolve that will define our future.
You have heard me say before, that the academic enterprise is our core business. We have the task and privilege to shape the minds that will tackle the challenges facing our city, our state, our nation. As such, the president is responsible for overseeing the institution as a whole—providing leadership and direction in the areas of teaching and learning, scholarship and research, and service to the city we call home.
Therefore, our focus should be on fostering critical and creative thinking, skills that will empower our students to craft innovative solutions. We must infuse our key competencies—the things that make us unique from the other institutions—throughout the curriculum, developing a general undergraduate education program that challenges and motivates our students to reach their full potential. We must continue to develop degree programs that are not only state-of-the-art but also meet the needs of the industry and the communities we serve. We are called to develop graduate programs that align with labor projections and meet our potential students where they are, both metaphorically and literally.
Our emphasis must be on continuous assessment, not just to meet the requirements for Middle States and our various accreditation bodies, but to surpass them. We must be tenacious in our pursuit of excellence, fostering an environment that offers our faculty, staff, and students a first-class living and learning experience.
While we tirelessly champion our cause to the federal and state governments, and engage philanthropic foundations and donors, it is equally crucial that we uphold our responsibility as good stewards of our financial and human resources. This balanced approach will ensure that we possess the necessary tools to support our mission, ultimately driving us towards our collective vision with unwavering efficacy and impact.
Call to Action
We are at a pivotal time in our history, a time that requires us to make hard decisions, to challenge the status quo, and to redefine our ways of doing business. Yet, it is in these critical junctures that we find the greatest opportunities for growth and progress. We must remember that the power to change and the will to succeed comes from within us. Let us remember that this transition is an opportunity to redefine ourselves, to choose hope over fear, and to embrace the power that lies within us to shape our destiny.
I am reminded of our 44th President, Barack Obama, who once emphasized, “Hope is not blind optimism. It’s not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It’s believing, even when the odds are against us, that we have the power to shape our destiny.” The hope that we choose, is not a passive wish, but an active pursuit of a better tomorrow. It is a collective mission that thrives on the unity of our intentions, the diversity of our perspectives, and the integrity of our actions. This perspective reinforces my firm belief that it is our shared responsibility to grasp this opportunity, not only for ourselves but for the successive generations of students.
Buffalo State University, this is our moment, our time to create a legacy that will endure and inspire. Let us seize it with unwavering courage, indomitable spirit, and an unfaltering belief in our collective capacity for greatness.
Concluding Remarks
As we draw this address to a close, let us reflect on the essence of who we are. We are Buffalo State University, an institution deeply embedded in history, yet continuously evolving through resilience and innovation. Our collective commitment, dedication, and belief in what we stand for is the driving force that propels us forward.
Colleagues, I stand before you today to report that although we are at a crossroads, let me assure you, the state of our university is strong, fortified by our history, our passion, and our collective will.
In the words of our distinguished third president, Paul G. Bulger… “Onward and Upward!”
Thank you!