Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D., appointed as next president of Buffalo State University by SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor King

April 28, 2026

The State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees voted on April 28 to name Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D., as the next president of Buffalo State University. Incoming President Burris currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Her appointment is effective July 1, 2026.

“Congratulations to Dr. Burris on her appointment as SUNY Buffalo State University’s next president,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “I am confident her extensive experience as a faculty member, administrator, and researcher will help the campus continue on a path to a strong future, and I look forward to working with her to advance the success of our students.”

Incoming President Burris said, “I am deeply honored to be named the 11th president of Buffalo State University. I am grateful to the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chairman Tisch, and Chancellor King for entrusting me with this opportunity. 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. I want to thank President Bonita Durand for her dedicated stewardship; I am proud to build upon the foundation she and the faculty and staff have strengthened. My first priority is to listen to our students, our faculty, our staff, and the Western New York community, as we write the next chapter of Buffalo State’s storied history together.”

At Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, Incoming President Burris has led efforts to advance student success and academic innovation across six colleges, the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Student Affairs, and a broad portfolio of student support, academic service divisions. She partners closely with deans, faculty and staff to foster an environment where collaboration and innovation empower students from all backgrounds.

Incoming President Burris’ 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.

A dedicated and accomplished academic leader, Incoming President Burris previously held numerous leadership roles at Appalachian State University, including associate dean, chair of the Council of Chairs and department chair. She also served as principal investigator on multiple grants, most notably a $1 million NSF:ADVANCE award focused on the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff.

Incoming President 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.

“Meeting Dr. Jennifer L. Burris, you immediately sense a leader whose values align perfectly with the mission of Buffalo State as a student-centered, access-focused institution,” said Linda Dobmeier, chair of the Buffalo State Council and chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “It wasn't just her formidable record that captured our attention—it was her genuine warmth, her commitment to first-generation students, and her understanding of our university’s vital role in supporting and strengthening our local community. Dr. Burris has closed structural deficits through data-informed planning, driven gains in enrollment and retention, and built support systems that keep students on a path to graduation. Her commitment to student success is not an aspiration—it is her track record. As a transparent, empathetic leader and advocate for the affordability and social mobility that make Buffalo State indispensable to Western New York, I am proud to welcome Dr. Burris as our 11th President.”

“I am excited to hear of the selection of Dr. Jennifer Burris as the new President at Buffalo State University,” said State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “In addition to being a strong academic leader, Dr. Burris is someone who builds community both within and outside of the university. As a Buffalo State alumna, I welcome Dr. Burris with open arms and look forward to this new era at Buffalo State University.”

“Dr. Jennifer Burris brings exactly the kind of leadership Buffalo State needs at this moment,” Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said. “Her track record of strengthening academic institutions and restoring fiscal stability speaks for itself. Buffalo State is a vital anchor for our city and its success is directly tied to Buffalo’s future. I look forward to working with Dr. Burris as she leads the institution forward and helps create new opportunities for students, families, and our entire community.”

Q&A with Incoming President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D.

Timeline: A summary of Incoming President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D.’s experience and accomplishments

What statewide and community leaders are saying about Incoming President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D.

Photo by Nolan Metcalf.

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