Canisius Commemorates Black History Month

February 2, 2021

BUFFALO, NY – In recognition of Black History Month, Canisius University will honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a virtual presentation from Catherine Collins, PhD, a member of the New York State Board of Regents (8th judicial district).  Sponsored by the ALANA Student Center at Canisius University, the event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 at 12:00 p.mTo register for the live webinar, click here

Catherine Collins

Catherine Collins was elected to the New York State Board of Regents during a joint session of the State Legislature in 2015.  She represents the 8th judicial district, which includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.  During her tenure, Collins had dedicated herself to promoting the twin issues of good health and sound education, with a special emphasis on the needs of underserved youth and women throughout Western New York. 

A distinguished educator, Collins is an associate professor at SUNY Empire State College.  She has also held positions in healthcare education and education administration. Collins was executive director of the University at Buffalo’s Offices of Preparatory Programs, coordinator of and instructor for its Educational Opportunity Center’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program and assistant academic dean for allied health education.  Collins served five years on the Buffalo Board of Education, during which time she held several board positions including vice president. 

A respected author and editor, Collins has published more than 13 published.  Most notable are Black Girls and Adolescents: Facing the Challenges, Sources of Stress and Relief for African American Women and The Imprisonment of African American Women: Causes, Experiences and Effects

Collins holds undergraduate degrees in nursing from Trocaire College and vocational technical education from the State University College.  She earned a master’s degree in allied health education and curriculum development and a doctoral degree in education administration, both from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

The ALANA Student Center provides African American, Latinx American, Asian American and Native American students with various services that help students to succeed at Canisius and after they graduate.  The center strives towards the campus community goals of fostering, respecting and exploring cultural differences. 

One of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York.  Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.