What statewide and community leaders are saying about Incoming President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D.
The State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees voted to name Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D., as the next president of Buffalo State University during the afternoon session of the SUNY Board of Trustees meeting on April 28. Her appointment is effective July 1, 2026. Incoming President Burris currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Here’s what leaders and representatives from SUNY and New York State are saying about Buffalo State’s incoming president.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.: “Congratulations to Dr. Burris on her appointment as SUNY Buffalo State University’s next president. 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.”
Linda Dobmeier, ’71, chair of the SUNY Buffalo State University Council and chair of the Presidential Search Committee: “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. 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.”
State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, ’74, ’02: “I am excited to hear of the selection of Dr. Jennifer Burris as the new President at Buffalo State University. 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.”
State Senator April N.M. Baskin: “SUNY Chancellor John King is a stellar leader with a vision for strengthening the future of Buffalo State University, and that includes supporting Dr. Jennifer Burris as the university’s next president. I look forward to seeing how Dr. Burris’ years of experience in higher education will benefit the college students of Western New York.”
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan: “Dr. Jennifer Burris brings exactly the kind of leadership Buffalo State needs at this moment. 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.”
State Assemblymember William Conrad, ’04: “SUNY Buffalo State University provides an excellent and affordable education for students from all backgrounds across our state, preparing them to succeed in their career pursuits. The SUNY campus is truly an economic engine for our state, and I am excited to welcome Dr. Jennifer Burris to lead the campus in its next chapter and be a key partner in the work ahead for our community.”
State Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera, ’08: “In Dr. Jennifer Burris, Buffalo State has chosen a proven, forward-thinking leader and I’m excited to welcome her to Western New York. Throughout her career, Dr. Burris has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, academic excellence, and fostering inclusive, collaborative environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. Her experience leading academic innovation, strengthening student support systems, and building meaningful partnerships will be invaluable as Buffalo State continues to grow its impact. I look forward to working with Dr. Burris as she builds on the university’s strong foundation and helps shape the next chapter of opportunity for Buffalo State students.”
State Assemblymember Karen McMahon: “The City of Buffalo, and the entire Western New York region, is fortunate to have an institution like SUNY Buffalo State University providing affordable, high quality public higher education. Through the leadership of President Bonnie Durand, Buffalo State has taken important steps to achieve long-term fiscal stability. With incoming President Jennifer Burris, we will have a leader who will build on those actions and move Buffalo State University forward. I look forward to partnering with President Burris, and I congratulate her on this new role and position.”
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