About President Durand
In recognition of her outstanding service to Buffalo State University, Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D., was named the 10th president of Buffalo State University on April 28, 2026.
Durand retired in 2018 after 22 years of service to SUNY Buffalo State, where she served as chief of staff and secretary to the Buffalo State Council. Durand served under five presidents at Buffalo State during her tenure. In addition, she was a graduate faculty member in the university’s Higher Education Administration Department, where she taught courses on the history of American higher education and strategic planning and finance in higher education.
Durand provided leadership to countless committees and working groups at Buffalo State, including the Middle States accreditation steering committee, the presidential inauguration support committees, the facilities master planning committee, and the presidential search advisory committees. She has also served as the faculty advisor for the collegiate chapter of the National Council of Negro Women and the campus adviser for the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
An active member of the Western New York community, Durand has dedicated her time to numerous organizations across the city and region.
Interim President Office Staff
Please contact Melissa for items about the President’s calendar, invitations for the President to attend, or events for speaking roles (please complete and return this form to the Provost or Vice President under your area for approval).
Please contact Carolyn for matters related to presidential events, high academic events and ceremonies, and matters pertaining to standards and protocol of the President’s Office.
Contact Laurie regarding correspondence, invoices, the President’s travel, the Administrative Assistant’s breakfast, and the 25-Year Luncheon.
Please contact Kristine for items pertaining to the President’s Cabinet or University Council.