WittKieffer is proud to partner with Buffalo State University (Buffalo State) in the search for its next president and invites nominations and applications of candidates for this compelling role.
Founded in 1871 as the Buffalo Normal School, Buffalo State University has grown into one of the most compelling and unique institutions within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Located on a 125-acre campus in Buffalo’s historic museum district and arts corridor, the University is well-positioned as SUNY’s only urban-engaged campus, deeply integrated into the fabric of the city and committed to civic engagement and community partnerships.
Buffalo State has two academic schools and 31 academic departments, offering a wide range of compelling educational programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education, applied professions, and many other disciplines. Interdisciplinary and innovative work is encouraged, as is student research. The diversity of the students, faculty, and staff at Buffalo State, as well as the metropolitan backdrop, offers an exciting and stimulating environment for students.
Appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees and reporting to Chancellor John B. King, Jr., the President of Buffalo State University serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the University. The President has broad responsibility for the institution and serves as its chief representative externally. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of SUNY presidents that is fully engaged at a national level during a critical time in higher education. For that reason, the next Buffalo State President must maintain an unparalleled commitment to student success, academic excellence, leadership, research, and economic and community engagement.
In addition to this commitment, the next Buffalo State President will also be dedicated to diversity, opportunity for all qualified students, open and shared governance, and financial as well as environmental sustainability. Overall, the University seeks a creative, inspirational, and effective administrator committed to public higher education. Ideal candidates will also have a clear commitment to the University’s mission and values, a history of leadership success in complex institutions, experience enhancing enrollment and retention, a record of addressing budget deficits, and an extraordinary communications ability that will allow them to tell a persuasive story about Buffalo State. An earned doctorate from an accredited institution is required for this role.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 16, 2026. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s Candidate Portal using the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Greg Duyck, Ashlee Musser, and Sarah Seavey at [email protected].