BY DANIELLE LEGARE

Dean Suzanne Rosenblith opened the address by reflecting on her nine years of leadership and the collaborative spirit that has propelled GSE forward.

“Over these years, together we have built momentum, navigated challenges and achieved milestones that speak to our resilience, creativity and dedication,” she said. “I am continuously impressed by the efforts, the focus and the humanity I witness every day in GSE. Whether it is faculty pushing the boundaries of research, staff ensuring that every detail of our operations supports student success, or students bringing energy and purpose to their studies and their service, I am inspired daily by this community.”

Rosenblith shared that GSE has seen four consecutive years of enrollment growth, driven by the success of UB Teach combined degree programs and a 54% increase in enrollment within the Department of Information Science since 2020. The online EdD program in teaching and learning in social contexts has grown from 36 to 142 students in just four years.

In research, GSE faculty secured $11.6 million in sponsored awards across 18 grants, one of the school’s strongest years on record. Highlights included the creation of the Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI (CELaRAI), led by X. Christine Wang, as well as funded projects focused on school safety, STEM engagement, mental health and educational equity.

Faculty and student achievements were also celebrated.

New faculty and staff joined GSE this year, and several faculty members earned tenure and promotion. Notable honors included Wang’s UB President’s Medal, Jaekyung Lee’s Distinguished Professor appointment and Amanda Nickerson’s election as an AERA Fellow.

Students were recognized for prestigious awards and opportunities, including Fulbright recipients, national case competition winners and student-athletes excelling in academics and athletics.

Community engagement remained central to GSE’s mission, with the launch of Brainy Bulls, a tutor-mentoring initiative that supported over 300 local students, and the establishment of Research Laboratory High School as the region’s first University-Assisted Community School.

Rosenblith closed the event by acknowledging the challenges facing higher education.

“Amid uncertainty and instability, I do know that GSE will continue to be a place that welcomes all learners and a place that fights for equity and inclusivity,” she said.

She also pointed to a major milestone just around the corner: GSE’s upcoming move to Foster Hall, the school’s historic home.

“This is a homecoming, a renewal and a launching point for the future,” Rosenblith said.

“With Foster Hall as our foundation, with our people as our strength and with our mission as our guide, we will continue to shape the future of education together.”