2027–2030 Strategic Planning Process
Buffalo State University is developing a three-year strategic plan to guide our priorities and respond to the needs of our campus and community. Led by the University Planning Council (UPC), the process will draw on institutional data and the perspectives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. We encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions.
Our Charge
The UPC will lead an inclusive and transparent process to define the university’s strategic priorities, achievable goals, and clear measures of progress. A completed draft is expected by February 2027 for review and Cabinet adoption.
The university’s current mission, vision, and values will provide a foundation for this work.
Key Features of the Planning Process
Through this process, we aim to:
- Review institutional data, progress toward existing plans, regional needs, and SUNY priorities.
- Engage our campus and community in open conversations about Buffalo State’s future.
- Identify shared strategic priorities that reflect our strengths and address areas for improvement.
- Develop an actionable three-year plan with clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
Planning Leadership and Membership
The UPC serves as the university’s principal advisory body on institutional planning, bringing together faculty, staff, and student representatives.
Executive Committee
- Amitra Wall – UPC Co-Chair, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Kevin Williams – UPC Co-Chair, Buffalo State Senate Chair and Professor, Geosciences Department
- Chris Weber – Professional Staff Caucus Chair
- Lisa Marie Anselmi – UUP Chapter President, Associate Professor and Chair, Anthropology and Cultural Studies Department
- William Benfanti – Chief of Staff, Liaison to the President’s Office
Steering Committee
- Erin Barr – Assistant Professor, History and Social Studies Department
- Elisa Bergslien – Professor, Geosciences Department
- Kendall Brooks – Associate Director of Residence Life, Residential Education
- Atta Ceesay – Associate Provost for Student Success and Retention
- Tayllor Clark – Graduate Student Association
- Brent Ford – Athletics Facilities Manager, Intercollegiate Athletics
- Dana Fredo – Administrative Assistant 1, Art and Design Department
- Kelly Frothingham – Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
- Joseph Fuchs – Engineering Manager, Facilities Design and Construction
- Ken Fujiuchi – Head of Information Commons, Butler Library
- Andrew Hashey – Chair and Associate Professor, Exceptional Education Department
- Michael Heflin – Director of Diversity and Belonging Initiatives
- Nigel Marriner – Registrar
- Lorena Mathien – Professor, Business, Economics, and Public Administration Department
- Melissa Meehan – Director, Web Administration, Marketing and Communications
- Mary Kate Metzger – Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, Admissions Office
- Roland S. Rachinger – Director, Technology Support Services
- Leasa N. Rochester-Mills – Director of Academic Standards
- Quentin Anderson - Undergraduate Student Representative
- Deborah Silverman – Chair and Professor, Communication Department
- Suparna Soni – Associate Professor, Business, Economics, and Public Administration Department
Administrative Support
Amanda Beaton, Executive Assistant to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Planning Timeline
|
Timeframe |
Planning Phase |
|
September – October 2026 |
Launch and Preparation |
|
October – November 2026 |
Campus Engagement and Feedback |
|
November 2026 |
Review Findings and Identify Strategic Priorities |
|
December 2026 – January 2027 |
Draft Plan Development |
|
January 2027 |
Campus Review and Refinement |
|
February 2027 |
Final Review and Approval |