Assembly Resolution No. 1323
BY: M. of A. Conrad
COMMENDING Dr. Wendy A. Paterson for her years of
service as Dean of the School of Education at
Buffalo State University
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge outstanding individuals within our midst who
have made significant contributions to the communities of this State and
Nation; this Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives serve to enhance the stature of the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr. Wendy
A. Paterson for her years of service as Dean of the School of Education
at Buffalo State University; she will be honored for her decades of
dedicated service and innovative leadership at a Retirement Celebration
at Buffalo State University on Friday, May 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wendy Paterson, a native of Kenmore, New York, has
devoted her life and career to the advancement of education, guided by a
deep and enduring commitment to teaching, learning, and student success;
and
WHEREAS, A distinguished graduate of Kenmore West High School, where
she served as Valedictorian and Class President, Wendy Paterson pursued
her lifelong ambition to become an educator at Buffalo State College;
there she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education (summa cum laude)
and her Master of Science in Education with certification in Literacy,
later completing her Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary Education at the
State University of New York at Buffalo in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Wendy Paterson began her professional journey in 1976 as
Reading Specialist in the Kenmore-Tonawanda public schools; she expanded
her impact in higher education as Coordinator of Developmental Skills
and Services to Handicapped Students at Trocaire College, demonstrating
an early and lasting commitment to access, inclusion, and academic
opportunity for all students; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Wendy Paterson joined Buffalo State College,
playing an integral role in launching the institution's academic support
system which grew into University College; for more than two decades of
service, she was a respected leader across the campus, contributing to
faculty governance, advancing diversity initiatives, promoting academic
excellence, and shaping institutional strategic planning; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Dr. Wendy
Paterson filled roles in the Department of Elementary Education and
Reading, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and
ultimately, Full Professor; she served two consecutive terms as
Department Chair; in recognition of her exceptional service and
leadership, she was awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence
in Service in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. Wendy Paterson's leadership, the School of
Education has reinforced Buffalo State University's historic mission of
preparing exceptional teachers through dynamic community partnerships
and global learning opportunities that place teacher candidates in
classrooms across multiple continents; and
WHEREAS, An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Wendy Paterson
has made significant contributions to the fields of literacy, family
studies, and education through her research and publications; she is a
critically acclaimed author, and her scholarship has appeared in
respected journals; in 2003, she was honored with the Albert Harris
Award from the International Reading Association for her innovative
research on instructional technology and early literacy; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Wendy Paterson has
exemplified excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service; she has
inspired countless students, supported faculty development, and
championed the belief that teaching is a science, a craft, and an art;
and
WHEREAS, The many contributions of which Dr. Wendy Paterson has
played a vital role are a testament to her legacy which will inspire
future students of the School of Education at Buffalo State University
for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to
education, transformative leadership, and enduring influence on
students, educators, and communities locally, nationally, and globally,
this Legislative Body proudly honors Dr. Wendy Paterson and expresses
profound gratitude for her service and achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated individuals who have shown a long and sustained commitment to
excellence unquestionably have earned the recognition and applause of
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Wendy A. Paterson upon the occasion of her retirement and to
wish her well in all her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Wendy A. Paterson.
