Welcome to the Higher Education Administration Department
We have two distinct graduate programs that may be of interest to you. As a department within the School of the Professions, our programs are uniquely situated to prepare professionals to work in institutions of higher education as well as related areas in many other industries.
The Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Program (HESAA) was founded in 1970. As such, it is one of the first programs of its kind in the United States, and has maintained the distinction of being one of the most diverse programs in the country. Our program was established in alignment with the mission of SUNY Buffalo State, to be an accessible program for aspiring professionals and to foster a workforce that was not only more representative of the increasingly diverse college population, but was also more prepared to work in an increasingly diverse professional setting. We stay true to our original mission, pledging that our graduates will possess the openness and ability to advocate for full and equal participation of all community members in post secondary educational settings. We strive to develop leaders in higher education and student affairs who are exceptional scholars and practitioners with knowledge, skills, competencies, and an ethic of care needed for sound professional practice.
The Assessment in Student Affairs Advanced Graduate Certificate program is designed to build on the skills, competencies, and interests of those who are invested in learning more about how to effectively assess student learning, program effectiveness, or any other measures of success. The ASA Certificate program is fully online making it highly accessible.
Our faculty possess a balance of strong scholarly accomplishments, along with decades of collective experience in college and university administrative settings. HEA faculty believe that mentoring and coaching are integral to a graduate students’ success, and cultivate a family-like environment where students will develop the competence and confidence for success in the field.
I look forward to meeting you and answering any further questions you may have!
Sincerely,
Amy B. Wilson, Associate Professor & Chair
Phone: (716) 878-3789
E-mail: wilsonab@buffalostate.edu
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Mission
The Higher Education Administration Department (HEA) is committed to promoting access and to preparing exceptional scholars and practitioners with knowledge, skills, competencies and an ethic of care needed for sound professional practice in the twenty-first century.
Our Vision
The Higher Education Administration Department serves the educational needs of a diverse student body through flexible programs with evolving and updated curricula. Our programs challenge students to become lifelong learners and leaders in the administration of higher education, student affairs and other professional communities. As the demographics of higher education change in the 21st century, our programs will provide highly prepared leaders representing diverse groups to serve the nation’s institutions of higher learning at the highest levels. Many students will continue their intellectual and personal development through doctoral programs and as scholar-practitioners.
Our Values
Socially Just. We seek to create learning environments that foster equitable participation of all groups and recognize our agency and responsibility in addressing and acknowledging issues of oppression, privilege, and power.
Authentic. We strive to be true to our convictions, and ourselves leading lives of integrity.
Reflective. We practice reflection as a means of continuous learning and growth.
Collaborative. We seek to develop meaningful partnerships and relationships as they enhance the success of our work.