First-Generation Faculty and Staff Directory

Name: Dr. Amitra A. Wall 

Position on Campus: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Bio: I grew up on the south side of Fort Worth in a low-income neighborhood, where my mom emphasized the importance of education. She taught me that education: (1) opens doors to opportunities and choices, (2) is something no one can ever take away from you, and (3) includes learning beyond books and the classroom. As a first-generation college student, my transition to Texas Woman’s University was challenging because I didn’t know what to expect. The University was nothing like what I saw in the movies or on television. My alma mater focused on empowering students and believing in their potential. Because of that, I focused on my academics and leaned on the support of the faculty and staff. I also connected with classmates in my residence hall who shared similar experiences. Together, we held each other accountable, and with their support, I graduated with my undergraduate degree in just three years. Inspired to keep learning and make a difference in society, I continued to graduate school. While pursuing my education, I worked part-time at a crisis facility, taught two courses each semester, and raised my two children. Looking toward the future and wanting the best for my family fueled me to keep going. I earned my master’s degree in two years and later completed my Ph.D. in less than four. The journey was not easy, but every struggle prepared me for where I am today. Through faith, perseverance, support, and hard work, I’ve learned that challenges can become steppingstones—and that education truly opens the door to a future full of choices and possibilities.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: My advice to first-generation students is to remember that you belong and that your journey is your own. Do not be afraid to ask for help and seek out support from faculty, staff, and classmates. Stay close to people who truly want to see you succeed. Stay focused on the reason you started, because that purpose will keep you grounded during challenging times. Be open to change and growth, even if it means taking a different path than you planned. And finally, celebrate every victory, big or small, because each step forward is proof of your perseverance and strength.

Education: Texas Woman's University Psychology, BS Texas Woman's University Sociology, MA Texas Woman's University Sociology, Ph.D.

Email: hodgeaa@buffalostate.edu

Name: Leah Panek-Shirley

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Interim Associate Dean, School of Education and Applied Professions

Bio: The greatest lesson I learned about education didn't come from a textbook but from my parents. My mother's achievement of a GED and my father's incomplete high school journey showed me that purpose transcends formal degrees. "You can do anything you put your mind to," my mom always said. Her words were a constant source of strength, encouraging me to persevere.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Realize: You are not alone. Act: Take the step to ask for help. Trust: You have the strength to succeed.

Education: The American University, academically dismissed, Central Florida Community College, Associate of Science, University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy

Email: panekslm@buffalostate.edu

Name: Maureen Pernick Huber

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Associate Director, Career and Professional Education (CAPE)

Bio: Being the youngest of 7 children from a blue-collar family where work and military service were the norm, I didn't think I was going to go to college. I didn't know what I wanted to do or how I was going to afford it. But then during my senior year in high school, I started looking at my options and began considering college. It was a great, exciting, and scary decision. My experiences at college led me to a career that I didn't even know existed. That career has enabled me to travel to places I would have otherwise never considered and meet wonderful people from all walks of life. My college experience has made me view things differently from some family and friends, which can be challenging at times, but I'm happy I went to college. My life has been greatly enriched because of my experiences.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: From one of my former professors: "Don't let your academics get in the way of your education." My advice: ask questions, get involved, go to class, study.

Education: SUNY Geneseo - Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Speech Communication, minors in Interpersonal Communication and Sociology Colorado State University - Master of Science in Education (MSEd), College Student Personnel Administration (now Student Affairs in Higher Education) SUNY Buffalo State - Certificate (18 credit hours) - Center for Studies in Creativity (now Creativity and Change Leadership, GCP)

Email: huberme@buffalostate.edu

Name: Fardan Allen

Pronouns: He/Him/His 

Position on Campus: ACE Academic Advisor, Enrollment Management

Bio: My name is Fardan Allen, I currently serve as an ACE advisor for the SUNY ACE program here at buffalo state. I am from the inner city of Rochester, NY. Both of my parents never went to college so it was challenging asking for advise while in school because they never experienced it before. Sometimes family and friends who never went to college can be used as a different type of resource. My family and friends would always encourage me to never quit and see it through the finish line. I was blessed to have the support while earning my bachelor's degree & masters.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: When writing your own story, don't let anyone else hold the pen.

Education: Seton Hill University - Bachelor of Arts in general studies, with minors in psychology & behavioral studies Slippery Rock University - MA, Student affairs in higher education

Email: allenfr@buffalostate.edu

Name: Dr. Holly Quicksey 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Director of Transfer Advising, Enrollment Management

Bio: I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. Buffalo State University was my first choice for higher education, where I earned both an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, with a focus on Human Service Administration. For the past 24 years, I have dedicated myself to helping students gain access to higher education and achieve middle-class status through obtaining a degree from Buffalo State.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Challenges push you, so your vision can pull you to achieve your goal- Anonymous

Education: Buffalo State College- Undergraduate, Sociology Buffalo State College- Master's, Multidisciplinary in Human Service Administration University at Buffalo- Doctor of Philosophy, with a minor in Leadership E Cornell University- Certificate in Women in Leadership

Name: Thomas Trzepkowski  

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Position on Campus: Associate Director, Orientation, Transition, and Engagement Initiatives, Student Leadership and Engagement 

Bio: As a proud first-generation college graduate, I am passionate about helping students and their families navigate the transition into higher education. In my work, I focus on creating programs and initiatives that foster belonging, connection, and student success from day one. I have first-hand experience in the challenges that come along with pursing a higher education. I strive to empower students to embrace their identities, build confidence, and find their community on campus. I never in a million years pictured that I would be working at a university, but I am so thankful every day! 

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: College is the chance for you to start over and create a new life for yourself! Take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. 

Education: Buffalo State University, Bachelor's in Business Administration; Stony Brook University, Master of Art in Higher Education Administration, SUNY Brockport, EdD in Educational Leadership (in progress). 

Email: trzepktg@buffalostate.edu

Name: Alexandra Green

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Position on Campus: Coordinator, Student Leadership and Engagement 

Bio: I grew up as one of five children in a blended family where my parents didn’t have the opportunity to pursue college. With little to no roadmap to follow, I learned early on how to figure things out through determination, resourcefulness, and a deep belief that education could change my life. As a first-generation student, I have navigated the ups and downs of college largely on my own, but I asked questions, sought out mentors, and found strength in the process. I have earned not one but two degrees and I am continuing to build a career to help other students find belonging and purpose through campus involvement and leadership. I hope my journey reminds others that even when the path isn’t clear, it’s always worth taking the first step.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Remember that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness. You don’t have to have all the answers, college is about discovering them along the way. Surround yourself with mentors, take advantage of every opportunity, and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. You are not just paving your own path, you’re creating one for those who will come after you. "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

Education: SUNY Geneseo Honor's College, B.A. in Sociology Buffalo State University, M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration

Email: greenac1@buffalostate.edu

Name: Dr. W. Wayne Brumfield

Pronouns: Dr. 

Position on Campus: Interim Vice President for Student Affairs 

Bio: Since my parents did not attend college, they firmly planted the idea that my siblings and I had no choice but to attend college and graduate. I took their advice and started college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now renamed the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a second semester freshman, I was hired as a "Dorm Counselor" or we now call the position a Residence Assistant (RA) in Residential Life in 1977. Two years later, I was promoted to Hall Director and took on the challenges of managing a residence hall at 20 years old. Those experiences in leadership development, advocacy and interpersonal relations provided me with the tools I need to graduate and navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving social, political and economic landscape which was the United States of the 1980's and beyond. I never thought the education I received would have open the door to a career in high education that I still currently engage in after retiring in October 2014. Education is the catalyst to upward mobility and life-long learning I would have otherwise not experienced with a college degree. This experience opened up opportunities to pursue advanced degrees in History and a Ph.D. Educational Leadership, Research, and Counseling. All these required self-invested time and a willingness to work hard to achieve a means to an end. Thank you, W. Wayne Brumfield, Ph.D.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: My advice to first-generation college students: Take the time to understand the reasons why you want to attend college. With that understanding, pursue your education with passion and purpose. Remember, higher education is a privilege, not a right.

Education: I attended the following universities: The University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana-renamed the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History in May 1980. Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana. Master of Arts (MA) in History May 1986. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership, Research and Counseling in December 2001.

Email: brumfiww@buffalostate.edu 

Name: Dr. Denise M. Harris 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Director of Career and Professional Education 

Bio: Denise M. Harris brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as the Director of the Buffalo State Career and Professional Education Center. In this role, she oversees a comprehensive career development program supporting both undergraduate and graduate students. Denise is an active member of the Western New York Association of College Career Centers, the National Career Development Association, and the American Association for Employment in Education. As a first-generation college student, Denise found the experience both exciting and intimidating. The encouragement and support she received from faculty and staff helped her thrive throughout her undergraduate journey. Today, she is deeply committed to creating equitable structures and removing barriers so that more first-generation students can achieve their goal of earning a college degree.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Attend events, stop by your faculty members office hours, go to the workshops, join the clubs. Put yourself out there to experience all the amazing experiences college has to offer!

Education: SUNY Fredonia, Bachelor of Science in Communication Bowling Green State University, Master of Arts in College Student Personnel D'Youville University, Doctor of Educational Leadership

Email: harrisdm@buffalostate.edu

Name: Lisa Marie Anselmi 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Archaeologist/Associate Professor and Chair, Anthropology

Bio: I grew up in Ohio as the youngest sibling in a pretty conventional family. My Dad was an autoworker and Mom was a caregiver and mother. I was really lucky to always have their support, both morale and financial. I was expected to work hard but was told that whatever I wanted to do in life, I could achieve. Even though my brother went to University before me, our experiences were vastly different. He stayed local to our parents’ home and I went three states away and then to a foreign country for my graduate work. I majored in Anthropology with minors in Biology and Art History. Then, I earned my MSc and PhD in Anthropology

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Help yourself first (go to class, take good notes, go to office hours with your instructors…) Working hard and then playing hard is possible to do. It’s balance that is needed.

Education: Washington University in St Louis, MO University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Email: anselmlm@buffalostate.edu

Name: Lynn Rogers 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Assistant Director for Employer Engagement, Career and Professional Education 

Bio: When I was born, my mom had just turned 17. My parents were young, but they worked hard; they always encouraged my sister and me to do our best academically. In middle school, I remember my mom finally finishing her GED. When I applied to college, none of us really knew what to expect. I was excited, nervous, and felt a lot of pressure to make my family proud. My very first college class, the professor said, “Look to your right, look to your left - one of you won’t be here next semester.” That pressure to succeed for my family became even more real. My first semester was rough. I struggled in classes like biology and barely avoided academic probation. In my second semester, I learned to ask for help. I went to the tutoring center, office hours, and study groups. My grades improved, I changed my major, found a work-study job, joined clubs, and became an Academic Peer Mentor in a residence hall. I found my place. Ultimately, I graduated with honors. Along the way, I discovered I wasn’t alone, and the support I received from faculty, staff, friends, and family made all the difference.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Don't be afraid to ask questions, admit you don't understand something, or ask for help. Overcoming those fears will help you learn and grow. Use campus resources, get involved, and remember you're not alone.

Education: SUNY Cortland, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Concentrations in Criminology and Social Gerontology | Syracuse University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration

Email: rogerslm@buffalostate.edu

Name: Leasa Mills  

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Position on Campus: Director, Academic Standards 

Bio: As a young immigrant from the Caribbean, my journey in the United States began at the tender age of five. I faced significant culture shock as I navigated a new environment filled with unfamiliar customs and languages. Growing up in a household that struggled with financial hardships, I learned the value of resilience and determination at an early age. Despite these challenges, I focused diligently on my education and worked hard to adapt to my new surroundings. Through perseverance and an unwavering commitment to my goals, I graduated from high school with honors. I then pursued a college degree in Legal Studies, immersing myself in my studies and engaging with diverse communities that broadened my perspective. After earning my undergraduate degree, I continued my academic journey by obtaining a master’s degree in Higher Education, further honing my skills and knowledge in my chosen field. Today, I am on the exciting path toward earning my PhD, driven by a passion for learning and a desire to make a meaningful impact on my community and beyond. My story is one of triumph over adversity, fueled by the hope and ambition that have guided me throughout my life.

Piece of Advice for First-Gen Students: Don't get lost in the weeds; stay focused!

Education: University at Buffalo Ba, MEd, PhD (candidate)