Retirements

I retired this past summer after 22 years as a faculty member in GSE’s Department of Learning and Instruction (LAI). I did so with a heart full of gratitude: gratitude for the students who have trusted me to guide them, for the colleagues who have collaborated with me on grants and other work, and for UB, which has been my second home.  

My years at UB were an incredible journey filled with memories, challenges and triumphs, each contributing to the tapestry of my career. When I first began this journey, I was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The opportunity to shape young minds, to inspire and be inspired, was a calling that I embraced wholeheartedly. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring hundreds of students, particularly doctoral students and post-docs, each one leaving an indelible mark on my heart. Watching them grow, succeed and sometimes stumble has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Collaboration with colleagues has been another cornerstone of my career at UB. I am proud to say that I have worked with faculty from every GSE department and every UB school on externally funded grants, as well as many university task forces and committees. I have contributed my part to LAI, GSE and UB. The friendships and professional relationships I have built are among my most cherished memories.

Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning. In fact, I have already started an academic position overseas.  I look forward to continuing my passion for scholarly work in STEM education, teaching and mentoring graduate students and post-docs, and providing services to my new university, community and the profession. While I will miss the UB true blue, I carry with me the fun memories built and wisdom made at UB to my new journey.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a faculty member in LAI and GSE for the past 22 years!

My career as an educator extended more than three decades as a high school business teacher; coordinator for entrepreneurship, banking and school-to-work; district supervisor; assistant principal and substitute principal. Moving on to work at UB was a natural progression for me. Being part of the leadership team for the UB Teacher Residency Program, in its infancy stage, gave me the opportunity to do what I love most—help others from marginalized communities to progress. It was an incredible, highly skilled team that truly believed in the mission and vision of the program.

We, along with Buffalo Public School teachers and administrators, shared knowledge and skills that helped redesign the teacher preparation program for the entire university. I am so grateful to have worked with each of the team members and to have had the support of UB department heads and office administrators.

The teachers graduating from the UB Teacher Residency Program are better equipped with academic, social, emotional and first-hand practical preparation that has already proven to have a positive impact on children. I feel fulfilled in retiring from this type of educational work at this time.

It is with bittersweetness, yet excitement, that I take on a new life journey. A personal journey enabling me to explore my African roots, network with others and further contribute my knowledge, wisdom and experience to my children, grandchildren and the community.

Thank you, UB, for bringing me on board. It culminates a journey that was extremely enriching, rewarding and gratifying!