Muriel A. Howard, Ph.D., Buffalo State’s seventh president, visited campus in December to spend time with staff and students of the Honors Program that bears her name.
The Muriel A. Howard Honors Program offers academically challenging opportunities for high-achieving and intellectually committed undergraduate students. This was Howard’s first visit to the new Honors Program suite in South Wing.
Howard shared her impressions, discussed what she is doing these days, provided her thoughts on the rapidly changing landscape of higher education, and more.
What were your thoughts after seeing the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program suite for the first time?
The honors suite was so welcoming, as were the staff and students. The space is great for study groups, small classes, team work, or just one-on-one time with staff. I hope students will take full advantage of this special space, even if it is to grab a bite to eat or to have some alone and downtime between classes.
You mentioned being able to spend time with students. How were those conversations?
We had a great exchange about the significant impact of COVID-19 on their lives and experience at Buffalo State. They seem to have learned some valuable lessons about themselves and their collegiate experience. A couple of students shared very powerful experiences that totally changed their lives and exponentially increased their success and aspirations.
How often are you able to visit Buffalo? In what ways do you remain connected to Buffalo State?
I am fortunate to be able to visit Buffalo several times a year for business purposes and to visit with family. I have several colleagues that I continue to communicate with and good friends that live in the area. It is not unusual for me to hear from former students, alumni, and donors as well as current and former faculty and staff members. I try to support the university through its giving program and often receive updates through regular mailings or social media.
What is new with you, and what are you involved with these days?
My retirement experience is still evolving. I serve on about three boards and spend a few hours a week with community volunteer projects. I also serve as an executive coach for Academic Search Inc. and work with several executive leaders throughout the year. My husband, Albert [“Mickey”], and I travel, visit with family, and play a little golf.
You have known Interim President Bonita R. Durand for a number of years. How would you describe your relationship? What are your thoughts on what she has been able to accomplish in her current role.
Bonnie and I have known each other for over 25 years. She was an amazing executive assistant when I was president and is a good friend and colleague. I admire her a great deal and am proud that she is serving as the interim president of the university. I know she cares deeply about Buffalo State and will work to make sure that it successfully pursues its goals while she is serving as president.
The landscape of higher education is at a critical juncture, given a variety of factors. What are your feelings about the future of higher ed?
I am hopeful that the financial picture will improve over time so that we can better support students academically and financially; however, I believe that we have to be the leaders of the change that is going to be required in the future, and be ready to make difficult choices and changes in order for the university to meet the needs of students and the community.
When you look back at your storied time at Buffalo State, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
I think I am most proud of the fact that the college became a welcoming and beautiful place for students, faculty, and staff to study and work. Everything that was created, built, or restored was the result of the work of extremely capable campus leaders, team members, a thoughtful faculty and staff, and energetic and talented students. The college alumni, volunteers, and the community at large all contributed to my success and that of the college.
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