#thingsweloveaboutbuffalostate

[kateconwayturner]

Buffalo State Embraces Diversity throughout Campus

When colleagues and visitors come to campus, they often remark on the vibrancy of Buffalo State and how we celebrate diversity in so many ways. I respond, noting our mission, dedication, and passionate recognition that from diversity comes strength. I normally don’t mention all the ways beyond the mission that we codify our commitment to diversity and inclusion. But let me remind us all that our commitment is embedded in our strategic plan. We have a well-thought-out institutional diversity plan; each of our academic schools has a diversity plan; and we have a wide-ranging list of programs, workshops, and lectures on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion every year. We stand as a recognized leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the SUNY system and within higher education’s professional associations.

We have received national recognition for our campuswide support of diversity and inclusion. We are especially proud that for five consecutive years, beginning in 2013, we have received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine. This award recognizes the numerous campus initiatives that celebrate and inform our campus community inside and outside the classroom.

Approved Applied Learning Fellowship cohort workshop held on campus this spring

Our current student body reflects the diversity we see in the state of New York. Our current undergraduate population is made up of more than 50 percent traditionally underrepresented groups, and our graduate programs are roughly 25 percent racially or ethnically diverse. We also have made significant strides to diversify our faculty and staff. Forty-eight percent of our tenured or tenure-track faculty members are women, and 20 percent of our faculty and 18 percent of our staff members are from traditionally underrepresented ethnic or racial groups. Half of our administrative leadership is composed of traditionally underrepresented minorities, a proportion seldom seen in higher education. Even with these successes, we continue to work hard to maintain or further increase the diversity of our faculty and staff.

At the summer Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) Student Showcase on campus

We have rigorous recruitment practices in place to encourage people of all backgrounds to seriously consider working or learning at Buffalo State. We network with historically black colleges and universities and participate in forums, conferences, and caucuses to showcase the opportunities at Buffalo State. We work with SUNY System Administration to capture resources for diversity hires at every opportunity. And this year, we have hired our first Buffalo State diversity fellows, bringing talented ABDs to our campus to contribute their talent and expertise.

Staff and students at this spring’s Residence Life banquet

In every corner of our campus and through our many connections to the city of Buffalo and beyond, we do more than just talk about the importance of diversity; we demonstrate it every day in the collective work we do together. So please join me in celebrating the many ways that Buffalo State is committed to ensuring that who we are, what we teach, how we teach, and how we work together represent an acknowledgment that our diversity fortifies us. We stand poised to lead in our world and leverage our diverse and varied backgrounds, perspectives, and worldviews in ways that enhance ourselves and the world around us. And because of that, we as a campus are strong, resilient, and ready for whatever comes our way.

[kateconwayturner]

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a new year full of life's greatest joys.

~ President Katherine Conway-Turner and Dr. Alvin Turner ~

[kateconwayturner]

Manners Matter

Most professionals know how important first impressions are. The first two minutes of an interaction have a profound impact on how we experience a new person. This becomes particularly important when we are competing for recognition or a new job, or when we are trying to impart a difficult concept. Many of us recognize the traits that allow us to see a new person in a positive fashion. Does the person make appropriate eye contact? Does the person have a firm and confident handshake? Can the person tell us in a clear and concise manner who she is? Can this new acquaintance make “small talk” and thus feel at ease with us? Can she hold a drink or eat a meal and have a conversation without committing a major faux pas? These skills and many more were covered and practiced at the 12th annual “Manners Matter” etiquette dinner last week.

President Conway-Turner welcomes attendees

The Campbell Student Union Social Hall and Fireplace Lounge were transformed into a networking area and dinner site. Students gathered to converse with faculty, staff, and guests from the community while practicing the skills needed to make a good first impression. These skills, when mastered successfully, enhance students’ ability to make positive connections.

Faculty, administrators, and students at the networking reception

In my conversations with students, I discussed the need for appropriate eye contact and how to demonstrate interest in conversations with potential employers or within networking situations. Students were eager to receive comments and tips from all the professionals in the room. They felt that this was a safe place to try out what they knew were needed skills. One student expressed her discomfort with talking about herself, a common issue and one that is necessary to overcome. Practice improves one’s ability to make a good first impression, and this program provided valuable practice for students in attendance.

Students continue to learn tips and tricks during dinner

I thank the Student Life division, particularly the Career Development Center, for developing and implementing such an outstanding program. This program was successful because of our corporate sponsor, Northtown Automotive Companies, and the wonderful food and drink provided by Chartwells under the leadership of Manny Lezama.

School of Education Dean Wendy Paterson talking with students

It is these kinds of experiences that allow our graduates to be competitive once they have successfully completed their degree requirements. It is not only necessary for graduates to have the disciplinary skills and tools; they must also be able to navigate their entrance into life after Buffalo State.

Posted November 17, 2014

[kateconwayturner]

Preparing the Next Leaders in the Fashion Industry

Did you know that Buffalo State College offers the only baccalaureate program in Western New York that prepares students for careers in the fashion industry? This outstanding accredited and highly sought program provides a world-class preparation using state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Among the cutting-edge technology used in our program is an NX-16 3-D body scanner, developed and produced by the Textile Clothing and Technology Corporation ([TC]²), and the Optitex software used to digitize patterns and design avatars of the human form to create exact fits.

Student work on display in the Technology Building Buffalo State has nearly 400 majors in the Fashion and Textile Technology Department concentrating in fashion merchandising, apparel design, apparel product development, and fashion and textile design technologies. During a recent meeting, the department chair, Lynn Boorady, described the $350 billion fashion industry where our graduates will land. The fashion industry currently employs over 4 million people, and it eagerly recruits our students.

At the Fashion and Textile Technology Department's annual Runway fashion show

Recently I met with some of the many industry advisers for the program, and it was truly impressive to see the way department faculty connect with industry experts to inform curriculum and develop collaborations that create opportunities for our students. Among the many opportunities available to students in our Fashion and Textile Technology Department is our collaborative program with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. Students can complete their first three years at Buffalo State, taking the required courses in their major as well as their Intellectual Foundations courses, and then complete their senior year at FIT. These students earn an associate’s degree from FIT as well as a bachelor’s from Buffalo State, allowing them to apply their knowledge within the epicenter of the fashion industry.

Our student work is innovative

While visiting a School of the Professions meeting, I met a student from the department who had already taken on the mantle of entrepreneur and was quickly preparing to enter the fashion industry. These majors not only focus on high fashion and the fashion industry but also are involved in community service and clothing projects that benefit those in need in the Buffalo area.

Fashion students enjoying some downtime Currently the students are engaged in a competition to develop a signature Buffalo State plaid, and I look forward to showcasing the winning design. I also look forward to the annual fashion show in the spring, which I’m told is truly extraordinary. This department is yet another gem within Buffalo State College, and I am eager to discover the many areas of strength that will continue to display excellence while propelling Buffalo State to disciplinary and programmatic leadership.