Lifelong Learning
The Continuing Professional Studies Office brings together community and industry to create needed and relevant educational experiences. We provide high-quality professional development, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities for individuals looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our offerings include microcredentials, customized training programs, and leadership development workshops, all designed to help participants stay competitive in today’s evolving job market.
Beyond professional development, we support educational growth through youth programs and college readiness initiatives, the College Access Program, which help students explore future academic and career opportunities.
Registration Open: Leading from the Middle
Registration is now open for Leading from the Middle, an advanced course in the Supervisor Training Academy designed for supervisors who are ready to strengthen their strategic thinking, expand their influence, and lead effectively across all levels of an organization.
Through interactive discussions, practical activities, and real-world application, participants will develop strategies for balancing the needs of their teams with organizational priorities, communicating effectively with peers and senior leadership, influencing without direct authority, and creating alignment through trust and collaboration.
Leading from the Middle is open to participants who have completed The Holistic Communicator, the required foundational course in the Supervisor Training Academy. New to the academy? Registration is also open for The Holistic Communicator, where participants build the communication and leadership foundation needed for the advanced courses.
Both courses begin October 2. Visit the course pages to learn more and register today!
The Holistic Communicator
The latest cohort of The Holistic Communicator (right) wrapped up their program on May 15. Participants shared how the program helped them move beyond technical expertise to become more effective “people leaders” by strengthening communication, building trust within teams, and developing greater self-awareness.
One participant shared that the program was “phenomenal” and is already working with their organization’s HR department to enroll more employees in the course. Another participant said that the course “opened [their] eyes on how to build relationships and trust with employees,” while others emphasized the value of understanding different thinking and communication styles through the FourSight model.
Throughout the program, participants explored practical leadership tools and used them at their workplaces between sessions, covering topics like facilitating engaging team meetings to mentoring new employees and better collaborate across diverse teams and perspectives. The cohort’s final session highlighted both professional development and personal growth, as participants discussed clearer career goals, increased confidence, and a stronger understanding of how their individual strengths contribute to effective leadership.
Learn more about The Holistic Communicator and our Supervisor Training Academy.
Major for a Day Welcomes High School Students to Campus
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Continuing Professional Studies hosted Major for a Day, bringing high school juniors and seniors to campus to explore academic programs and career pathways.
During this year’s event, students explored campus in three themed groups: Business Builders, Nutrition Navigators, and Science Seekers, each focused on a different academic area. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on activities, learned from faculty, and explored potential majors and career paths.
The Business Builders shared that activities featured “amazing professors” who “gave very good advice and were very honest.” The Nutrition Navigators enjoyed learning about nutrition, epidemiology, and eating healthy over their lifetimes. Meanwhile, the Science Seekers toured the campus greenhouse and labs and learned about the many career options available to those with biology degrees.
You can view photos from the event here: Major for a Day.
The Holistic Communicator
Ready to take the next step in your career? Continuing Professional Studies is excited to offer the Supervisor Training Academy: The Holistic Communicator, a transformative program designed for top-performing employees who are ready to step into leadership roles.
This interactive, four-session workshop equips you with essential skills for effective supervision, including emotional intelligence, setting clear expectations, delivering and receiving feedback, and leading impactful meetings. Participants will gain practical tools in a dynamic, supportive environment that blends in-person training with virtual coaching, ensuring guidance every step of the way.
Interested in this course? Registration is now open for the course beginning March 27! Please visit The Holistic Communicator for more information and to register.
Shining brighter together: Buffalo State’s partnership with Ferguson Electric opens doors for students and community
Through financial support, courses available to both students and employees, and academic advisement from Ferguson engineers, the relationship between Buffalo State and Ferguson Electric provides real-world experiences that prepare students for successful careers.
Read “Buffalo State’s partnership with Ferguson Electric opens doors for students and community”
Patient Care Management
Ready to make a difference in patient care?
Continuing Professional Studies is excited to offer Patient Care Management, a brand-new hands-on training program designed for professionals who support individuals navigating health and social services.
This engaging, five-session program builds practical skills in communication, care coordination, documentation, and patient-centered service. You’ll learn how to support people with complex needs, connect families to resources, and work confidently as part of an interdisciplinary team. With real-world tools and interactive activities, you'll be prepared to apply what you learn right away.
Interested in bringing this training to your organization? Fill out our interest form, and someone will be in touch!
Kudos for THRIVE!
Continuing Professional Studies joined forces with Project Blue—a collaboration between the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Peaceprints of WNY—to launch a new program: Training in Hospitality for Returning Individuals Are Valued Employees (THRIVE), which graduated its first cohort on August 1, 2024. Upon completion of the program, participants are ServSafe and TIPS-certified. THRIVE uses grant funding to provide participants with work-appropriate attire, so they’re ready and able to apply for jobs.
“I have had the privilege of doing a lot of interesting things in my career as a chef, but this was different,” said chef Don Schmitter, lecturer in Buffalo State’s Hospitality and Tourism Department. “The gentlemen that I trained in this program were attentive, passionate, grateful, and engaged. Sometimes people just need a second chance and someone to believe in them.”
“We are thrilled with the THRIVE program’s success thus far and look forward to continuing this initiative with future cohorts,” said Erie County Sheriff John Garcia. “Setting up incarcerated individuals for reentry will reduce recidivism and improve our community. That is why the Erie County Sheriff’s Office continues to expand the award-winning Project Blue initiative with Peaceprints of WNY. We are ecstatic to have SUNY Buffalo State participating.”
Testimonials
Buffalo Purchasing Initiative, Retreat Facilitation
"The Buffalo Purchasing Initiative engaged the Office of Continuing and Professional Studies to lead our annual member retreat. We worked directly with Director Kristin Fields, who created a custom agenda to help our team collaboratively share and assess challenges and opportunities to our work via Zoom. We emerged from the retreat with a concrete set of tactics to help support our work going forward. It was a fantastic experience for the entire group."
- Antonina Simeti, Program Director
RISE UP! Testimonial
"I would have paid more for this program. The quality of instruction was outstanding and the diverse student body was fun to work with and learn from. Kitchen lab was a great learning experience. Really wonderful program; exceeded my expectations!"
- E. Decker, program participant
Meeting Facilitation, Buffalo Museum of Science
"We were thrilled to be able to engage Kristin Fields as a facilitator in the Buffalo Society of Natural Science’s strategic planning work. Kristin’s facilitation was efficient and productive. She clearly has great command of planning and assessment techniques and the ability to ensure discussion goals are reached. After brief, focused preliminary planning, Kristin understood our project and objectives and crafted an effective activity to help us meet our targets. With this as just one example of what they can offer, the Continuing Professional Studies program is a terrific resource for our community."
- Marisa Wigglesworth, President and CEO, Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences