Announcements

Buffalo State University, in partnership with Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Division of Academic Affairs, is proud to launch the Buffalo State Women in Technology (WIT) local chapter as a faculty and staff initiative operating under the SUNY Women in Technology (WIT) program.

Aligned with the broader SUNY WIT community, Buffalo State WIT is dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering faculty and staff who use technology to advance teaching, innovation, operations, and student success.

Technology at Buffalo State is not confined to a single department. It lives in our classrooms, advising centers, research labs, offices, healthcare spaces, libraries, and outreach programs. It strengthens learning, enhances collaboration, improves processes, and expands opportunity. WIT recognizes and celebrates the many ways faculty and staff integrate technology into their work every day.

Buffalo State WIT is not limited to formal IT roles. It is for educators transforming learning with digital tools, advisors leveraging systems to support students, administrators improving workflows, researchers exploring emerging technologies, and professionals across campus who rely on innovation to move our institution forward.

 Buffalo State WIT Leadership Team:

• Maria Garrity, Co-Chair, Senior Programmer/Analyst, Information Technology
• Susan McCartney, Co-Chair, Special Advisor to the Provost for Economic Development, Director, Greater Buffalo Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak, Chief Diversity Officer, Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Amitra Wall, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Buffalo State WIT Advisory Team:

The Advisory participants represent a broad cross-section of faculty and staff across Buffalo State, reflecting the diverse ways technology supports our mission:

• Phillip Auman, Senior Career Counselor, Career and Professional Education Center
• Sarbani Banerjee, Professor, Computer Information Systems
• Katelyn Brickhouse, Director, Alumni Engagement
• Maria Brickhouse, Coordinator, Academic Center for Excellence (EOP)
• Atta Ceesay, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
• Valerie Celenza, Executive Assistant, Information Technology Exchange Center
• Diane Dillon, Lecturer, Computer Information Systems
• Kristin Fields, Associate Vice President, Extended Learning
• Ken Fujiuchi, Head, Information Commons, Butler Library
• Andrew Garrity, Associate Database Administrator, Information Technology Services
• Michael Heflin, Director, Diversity and Belonging, Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Melissa Meehan, Director, Web Administration, Marketing and Communications
• Wendy Paterson, Interim Dean, School of Education and Applied Professions
• April Petrik, Clinical Manager, Weigel Health Center
• Gaymarie Rodriguez, Oracle DBA, Information Technology Exchange Center
• Angela Thering, Lecturer, Higher Education Administration
• Pam Voyer, Coordinator, Alumni Engagement

Our Focus: Women who use technology in their careers
Tagline: Empowering Women Through Education and Technology

Our Goals:

• Foster meaningful connections around technology among faculty and staff
• Showcase innovative uses of technology in education and campus operations
• Encourage leadership, professional growth, and skill development
• Cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and empowering campus community

We invite all faculty and staff to participate with us in shaping the future of the Buffalo State WIT program. Your voice, ideas, and energy will help build a vibrant community where everyone can connect, learn, and thrive. Look out for our upcoming virtual or in person meetings, together we’ll create a space that inspires innovation and leadership across campus.

International Women’s Day is coming up in March which is Women's History Month. All faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in a group photo on Thursday February 26, honoring women’s contributions and continuing the conversation around equity and inclusion in education, technology, and beyond. Participants are encouraged to wear purple, the official color of International Women’s Day, symbolizing justice and dignity.

"International Women’s Day is an opportunity for the university to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and to reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all. When we uplift and support women, we strengthen our entire community," said Interim President Bonita R. Durand.

Where: E. H. Butler Library Lobby
When: Thursday, February 26
Time: 12:15 p.m.

For more information visit: Photo Op to Support International Women’s Day | The Daily Bulletin

The SUNY Women in Technology (WIT) Chapter Program at Buffalo State is open to all eligible employees as defined by SUNY, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or any other protected characteristic, and operates in accordance with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws.

Together, under the SUNY WIT umbrella, we can elevate innovation, expand opportunities, and strengthen the Buffalo State WIT Chapter through the power of technology and collaboration. We look forward to your ideas and participation as we celebrate and support women in technology across our campus community.

Thank you.  Maria Garrity, Susan McCartney, Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak, and Amitra Wall