MPA Project Presentations - Tuesday, May 12th!
MPA Project Presentations - Spring 2026
Spring 2026 MPA Project Presentations will take place Tuesday, May 12 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Presentations followed by a reception.
Location: Caudell Hall 234
Charvaye Hutchins-Carter - Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence
Charvaye Hutchins-Carter, MPA '26 has been awarded the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence into many different aspects of their lives, including academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, & justice, campus involvement, civics & service, research & development, or creative and performing arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University. SUNY will bestow the award on Charvaye on April 27th in Albany.
Fire Safety Tips and Prevention with Buffalo Community
Fire Safety Tips and Prevention with Buffalo Community" on April 23 (Thursday) from 11:00am to noon in Bulger Communication Center 424. This talk will feature Danielle Nicolosi (Lieutenant - Planning Officer) and Marvin Spates (Captain) from the Buffalo Fire Department, which is seamless contributing to Buffalo Community in public safety and fire prevention. The Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) provides fire protection and other critical public safety services, including Emergency Management Services (EMS), to residents and business owners citywide. More information about the Buffalo Fire Department will be available at https://www.buffalony.gov/197/Buffalo-Fire-Department
CT. Marvin Spates and LT. Danielle Nicolosi will share their experience as fire fighters in a career perspective and provide fire safety tips and prevention. Moreover, they ensure a safe and secure environment to all citizens and visitors through professionalism, leadership, teamwork and partnership with all levels of Government.
Mayor Austin Tylec of North Tonawanda
Mayor Austin Tylec of North Tonawanda will visit our campus to discuss "Local Government and Public Servants in Our Community" on April 9th (Thursday) from 11:00am to noon in Bulger Communication Center 424. This talk will feature Austin Tylec (Mayor of North Tonawanda) to discuss the importance of community support, any challenges as an executive officer in the City of North Tonawanda, and sharable experiences and practices in the public sector. More information about the City of North Tonawanda will be available at https://www.northtonawanda.gov/
Big Tale Community Café
Big Big Tale Community Café will visit our campus to discuss "Local Nonprofits and Community Support" on March 30 (Monday) from 6:15pm to 7:30pm in Caudell 234. This talk will feature Stephanie Mejia (Board Member) from the Big Big Tale Community Café, which is aiming to provide a dignified response to hunger in our community, serving Buffalo with accessible and affordable nutritious meals, regardless of ability to pay. More information about the Big Big Tale Community Café will be available at https://www.bigbigtable.org/
Stephanie Mejia will present and discuss their organization’s mission, the works they’ve achieved, and some of real challenges and lessons that come with operating volunteering and serving out community in Buffalo and Western New York.
Proud Veterans and Collaboration with Community
"Proud Veterans and Collaboration with Community" on March 5 (Thursday) from 11:00am to noon in Bulger Communication Center 424. This talk will feature Christopher Kreiger, Sr(President/CEO) and Shawnee Gaudino(Vice President Assistant) from the WNY Heroes, which is driven by providing veterans, members of the armed services, and the widows and children of deceased veterans with access to essential services, financial assistance and resources that support their lives and sustain their dignity. More information about the WNY Heroes will be available at https://wnyheroes.org/
Christopher Kreiger, Sr and Shawnee Gaudino will present and discuss their organization’s mission, the works they’ve achieved, and some of the real challenges and lessons regarding collaboration with community in Buffalo and Western New York.
Jeremy Howard, MPA '24 named an Empire State Fellow, 2026-2028 Cohort
26 February 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Empire State Fellows for 2026-2028. The 10 new Fellows join a full-time, two-year leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers in New York State government. Fellows were selected following a rigorous review process from more than 500 applicants. In addition to their hands-on work and learning at eight different state agencies, Fellows attend bi-weekly classes at the Rockefeller Institute of Government throughout the first year of the program. Read more
Jeremy Howard will completed his fellowship with NYS's Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY). Jeremy is an educator and after-school program developer who hails from Buffalo, NY. Jeremy is the 2021 recipient of Educator of the year awarded by "Friends for a Better Buffalo." Jeremy holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Buffalo State, minoring in intelligence analysis and an MPA from SUNY Buffalo State University. As an Empire State fellow, he plans to bolster restorative practices and cultural competency for marginalized youth that will lead to early reintegration into the community.
Mind over Foundation, Inc. - Guest Speakers - February 12
Max Montante and Nick Ennis, Co-founders of Mind over Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health through movement, endurance challenges, and community support, will be guest speakers in PAD 101 Introduction to Public Administration and Nonprofit Management (Dr. Ikhee Cho). Max Montante and Nick Ennis will present and discuss their organization’s mission, the works they’ve achieved, and some of the real challenges and lessons that come with building and operating a nonprofit organization in Buffalo.
Webinar - Open Government Practices in Midsized Cities
Dr. Bray oversees civil service administration for Erie County, serving over 130 appointing authorities and 26,000 employees. In addition to managing civil service functions, his department is responsible for payroll, benefits, and risk management for the county government. Prior to his current role, Brian held various leadership positions in Erie County government, including Policy Director for the County Executive, Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Social Services, and Legislative Liaison for the County Executive. Brian holds the DPA from West Chester University, an MPA from Hilbert College, and a BA in Political Science from the University at Buffalo - SUNY. Dr. Bray served as president of the Buffalo-Niagara ASPA Chapter (renamed WNY ASPA Chapter after the merger of the Buffalo and Rochester ASPA chapters).
MPA Project Presentations - Wednesday, December 10th!
MPA Project Presentations - Fall 2025
Fall 2025 MPA Project Presentations will take place Wednesday, December 10 from 6:00-7:45 p.m.
Presentations followed by a reception.
Location: Science and Mathematics Complex, Room 172
Visit Buffalo "Branding A Destination"
Visit Buffalo "Branding A Destination"
Come and learn more about Visit Buffalo (VB), in Buffalo, New York, https://visitbuffalo.com/.
Visit Buffalo (VB) was incorporated on March 4, 1987 and is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the administration and operation of the organization. VB employs a staff of talented tourism professionals dedicated to promoting tourism and accomplishes this by soliciting national, state and regional meeting planners, motor coach tour operators, travel agents and independent consumers.
Date: 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Location: 170 Science & Math Complex (SAMC)
President/CEO Patrick Kaler will talk about "Branding A Destination". Visit Buffalo just recently launched a new brand for the organization and the destination. Anyone interested in learning more about that specifically is more than welcome to join this event. Students will have multiple opportunities to volunteer and get involved with the organization in terms of marketing opportunities, volunteer, hospitality training, sports development, and Destination Experience. Open to all majors and class years. This event is partially funded by the Faculty-Student Association (FSA).
Sheridan Parkside Life Center
Come and learn more about Sheridan Parkside Life Center, Non-profit organization in Tonawanda, New York, https://www.splifecenter.org/.
Date: 6:30pm on Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Location: 170 Science & Math Complex (SAMC)
Program Director. Kathryn Napoli will talk about Social Enterprise and Our Neighborhood. Students will have multiple opportunities to volunteer and collaborate with the organization in terms of community engagement, social enterprise, and solving social problems currently we have faced. Open to all majors and class years. This event is partially funded by the Faculty-Student Association (FSA).
MPA Student Appointed Chief Probation Office for the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of New York
Mr. Clifford Jackson has been appointed Chief Probation Office for the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of New York. Clifford is matriculatd in the MPA program and will complete the degree in December 2025. Congratulations, Clifford!
Fall 25 Faculty Research Forum
Professors Buonanno and Soni and Erie County Commissioner of Personnel, Brian Bray, DPA presented their research at Buffalo State's faculty fall forum. The subject of their research is "Western New York's Potential as a Climate Destination."
Professor Buonanno to Provide On-Air Commentary -BTPM/WBFO
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, voters will decide on numerous candidates throughout Western New York. Who will be the new Mayor of Buffalo? Who will be the new Amherst Town Supervisor? Will voters choose to retain the current Erie County Comptroller or opt for change? These are just some of the many races to be decided. "The People Decide: Election Night 2025" is BTPM NPR's coverage show for the night.
Coverage begins at 8 p.m. EST, immediately following The Capitol Pressroom, and runs until midnight.
How to listen:
Listeners can tune into the show on the radio by tuning into one of the following frequencies:
Buffalo: 88.7 FM (WBFO HD1)
Olean: 91.3 FM (WOLN)
Jamestown 88.1 FM (WUBJ)
Results coverage (9 p.m. to midnight)
Once polls close at 9 p.m. studio panelists: Laurie Buonanno, Ph.D., professor at Buffalo State University, and Edward Rath III, who served as a New York State Senator for the 61st District from 2020-2022 and previously served 13 years in the Erie County Legislature. Together, they'll discuss and break down the key races, keep an eye on vote counts from throughout Western New York, and discuss the issues behind the elections, and possible impacts and trends to watch for the future.
Alumni News! Derek Smith - MPA 2025
Derek Smith accepted the position of Government Affairs Coordinator for the National Fuel (September 2025). Prior to this position, he was Public Affairs Assistant, City of Buffalo.
Alumni News! Julia Lange - MPA 2025
After being let go from the IRS because of government administration shifts, I accepted a position at WNY Independent Living, providing technical assistance to staff at New York State Adult Career and Continuing Education VR (ACESS-VR)'s Buffalo Field Office and training and empowering people with disabilities. It combines my MPA administrative know-how with my passion of serving the community, and is a perfect fit.
Alumni News! - Alaska McInnis - MPA 2017
Alaska McInnis is Senior Director, National Grant Program for the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A native of Mississippi, she was inspired to pursue a career in the nonprofit field having observed and volunteered for organizations seeking to increase access and improve the lives of Mississippians along the coast. Over the last 15 years, she has cultivated a career that centers on equitable grantmaking practices. In her current role, she is responsible for managing a comprehensive array of grant programs focused on providing funding and technical assistance to preservation organizations across the country that save and interpret African American historic places and culture.
MPA Program at SUNY Buffalo State's Graduate Fair
Professors Buonanno and Soni spoke with several students about Buffalo State's MPA program at the Fall 2025 Graduate Fair. Many universities were represented at this event.
MPA in the News!
The Record (2025, October 1), "Buffalo State’s MPA program accepts global accreditation" by RaeAnna Gott.
The Spotlight (2025, September 22), "Buffalo State’s Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management program earns NASPAA accreditation," by Sabrina Kahwaty.
MPA Project Presentations - Fall 2025
Mark Your Calendar! Fall 2025 MPA Project Presentations
Fall 2025 MPA Project Presentations will take place Wednesday, December 10 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Presentations followed by a reception.
Location: Science and Mathematics Complex, Room 172
NASPAA Accreditation Celebration & Reception - September 2025
The Department of Business, Economics & Public Administration invites the campus community to a celebration of the MPA program earning NASPAA accreditation.
The reception will take place September 25 from 5-7 p.m. in the Butler Library Lobby.
WNY ASPA Journal Club September Meeting
The September meeting of WNY ASPA's monthly journal club will meet from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Amherst Library, Audobon Branch, Study Room #1. We will discuss the following article:
Peng, L and Ross, J. (2024). Is trust in local government influenced by the "marketplace" of choice? Public Administration Review 85: 768-786.
Dr. Brian Bray, Erie County Personnel Commissioner, will lead this month's discussion.
All are welcome to attend.
Buffalo State's MPA earns NASPAA Accreditation
SUNY Buffalo State's MPA program earned NASPAA accreditation on July 11, 2025. Our program is accredited through August 31, 2032, and will be included on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs.
Dr. Buonanno Elected to WNY ASPA President
Dr. Laurie Buonanno, Professor of Public Administration, was elected President of the WNY Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (2025-2026) at the chapter's June annual business meeting. Dr. Suparna Soni was elected to the post of President-Elect.
Dr. Suparna Soni Receives "Excellence in Public Administration Education" Award
Congratulations to Dr. Suparna Soni on receiving the Excellence in Public Administration Education award 2025 from the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Western New York Chapter.
This well-deserved recognition honors Dr. Soni’s outstanding contributions to teaching, mentorship, and her ongoing commitment to advancing the field of public administration. She extends her gratitude to her students, colleagues, and the ASPA WNY community for their continued support and inspiration.
Congratulations to Dr. Soni on this well-deserved honor. We are proud of her dedication and the positive impact she continues to make on future public service leaders.
Congratulations to May 2025 MPA Graduates!
Five MPA students completed the capstone requirement (PAD 690) and earned the MPA in May 2025.
Congratulations to Musah Abubakar, Julia Lange, Todd O'Bryan, Derek Smith, and Lily Wright!
The audience for the MPA Project Presentations comprised members of the MPA Advisory Board, MPA alumni, current undergradute and graduate students, the MPA Program Committee, and community members.
Dr. Suparna Soni Delivers Annual Pi Sigma Alpha Talk 2025 at University at Buffalo
We are proud to share that Dr. Suparna Soni was invited to deliver the prestigious annual Pi Sigma Alpha talk at the University at Buffalo’s Political Science Department awards ceremony—her alma mater.
This special event marked a full-circle moment for Dr. Soni, as she returned to the institution where her academic journey in political science began. In her address, she reflected on her professional path, reconnected with former mentors, and inspired the next generation of students who are just embarking on their own journeys.
Congratulations to Dr. Soni on this meaningful honor and for representing our MPA program!
New York State Budget Simulation 2025
Our New York State Government & Budget class includes an in-class simulation that takes place throughout the semester. The FY 2025/2026 budget simulation focused on Governor Hochul's Affordable Agenda. This year's roles ("alter egos") were: Governor Hochul; Blake Washington (Director of the Division of the Budget); New York Homes & Community Renewal Commissioner, RuthAnne Visnauskas; NYS Assembly Speaker, Carl E. Heastie; NYS Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins; NYS Senate, Minority Leader, Robert G. Ortt; Child Reduction Poverty Council, Co-Chair, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Insurance (OTDA) Commissioner, Barbara Guinn; New York State Association for Affordable Housing, President & CEO, Jolie Milstein; Empire Justice Center, President & CEO, Kristin Brown; New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officers, Executive Director, Barbara Van Epps; New York State Association of Counties, Executive Director, Stephen J. Acquario; New York State AFL-CIO, President, Mario Cilento; New York State Building & Construction Trades Council, President, Gary LaBarbera; Fiscal Policy Institute, Executive Director, Nathan Gusdorf; Business Council of New York State, President, Heather Mulligan; Business Council of New York State, Executive Vice President, Paul Zuber; and Empire Center, President & CEO, Zilvinas Silenas.
The former mayor of the City of Buffalo and NYS Senator, Mr. Byron Brown (pictured far left), served as our consultant on the simulation.
This course is taught each spring to coinicide with the NYS budgetary process as PAD 515 (MPA students), ECO 515 (MA Applied Economics) along with undergraduate sections in economics and political science.
Greenspace and Community: How Volunteers Sustain Buffalo's Olmsted Parks (Public Service Lecture Series)
Digital Diplomas
Digital Diplomas Go Live Spring 2025
Buffalo State is pleased to partner with Parchment Services to now offer digital diplomas to all graduates. The digital diploma is official and it is free. Students who graduate in spring 2025 will be the first to receive their digital diplomas; they will also receive a printed copy in the mail six to eight weeks later.
Visit the Registrar’s website for more information.
Jobs with New York State Government
The Center for Careers in Government presents a workshop to learn about careers with New York State! Download flyer (pdf)
Thursday, February 13, 2025
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Caudell 123
NASPAA Site Visit
The NASPAA Site Visit Team will be on campus March 10-12, 2025 to review SUNY Buffalo State's MPA program.
MPA Project Presentations - Scheduled
Mark Your Calendar! Spring 2025 MPA Project Presentations
Spring 2025 MPA Project Presentations will take place Monday, May 12 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Presentations followed by a reception.
Location: Caudell Hall 209
Building Bridges: Enhancing Cultural Competences in Our Campus Community - Free Workshop!
Building Bridges: Enhancing Cultural Competence in Our Campus Community
Join us for an engaging and interactive one-hour workshop designed to foster cultural awareness, understanding, and meaningful dialogue at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 in Caudell Hall 123.
Through thought-provoking discussions and activities, participants will explore strategies to create inclusive and welcoming environments. This Winterim session is ideal for faculty and staff committed to personal growth, professional development, and building stronger connections within our diverse campus community. Together, let’s bridge gaps, celebrate differences, and cultivate belonging.
Congratulations to December 2024 MPA Graduates!
Three MPA students completed the capstone requirement (PAD 690) and earned the MPA in December 2024. Congratulations to Hope DeGarie, Jeremy Howard, and Paul Land. MPA Project Presentations - Fall 2024.
Posted January 6, 2025
Public Administration moving to Department of Economics and Finance
Public administration programs will be housed in the Department of Economics and Finance beginning January 1, 2025. The Department of Economics & Financ and the Department of Business will merge to form a new department on August 1, 2025. This realignment of departments and disciplines will enhance teaching, research, community service, and meet contemporary workforce needsd in the disciplines of public administration, economics, finance, and business administration.
Posted December 19, 2024
MPA Student Wins Fellowship to JFK Presidential Library
Derek Smith has won the prestigious Sorensen Fellowship of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in support of his MPA project research, "The Machinery of Messaging: Lessons in Local Government from the White House Press Office." Derek plans to apply the lessons he learns from the Sorensen and Salinger archives to communication strategies employed by the City of Buffalo where Derek is currently employed as a special adviser.
Posted November 28, 2024