Dr. Jennifer L. Burris has been appointed as the next president of Buffalo State University, with her term set to begin July 1.
The State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees voted to confirm Dr. Burris during the afternoon session of their April 28 meeting, making her the institution’s 11th president.
“I am deeply honored to be named the 11th president of Buffalo State University,” Dr. Burris said. “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.”
Dr. Burris also acknowledged outgoing President Bonita Durand, saying she is “proud to build upon the foundation she and the faculty and staff have strengthened,” and noted that listening to students, faculty, staff, and the broader Western New York community would be among her top priorities, alongside the university’s financial stability.
Dr. Burris currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, a position she has held since 2022. A dedicated research mentor, she has collaborated with nearly 100 students on individual research projects and secured roughly $4 million in external grant funding throughout her career, which could prove to be a vital asset in reducing Buffalo State’s $17 million deficit.
