University at Buffalo Higher Education Program

What does grad school in student affairs actually look like? 👀

Join us on April 13 for a HESA Student Takeover with Sristhi Bhatia as she shares a real, behind-the-scenes look into life as a second-year HESA student at UB 🎓

From classes ➡️ working at the Career Design Center ➡️ navigating the field as a first-generation graduate student… this takeover highlights the journey, lessons, and experiences that shape student affairs professionals.

✨ Thinking about grad school?
✨ Curious about careers in student affairs?
✨ Interested in the NASPA or its Graduate Associate Program (GAP) ?
Don’t miss it!

Alumni Spotlight: Brian Haggerty

Brian Haggerty, Ph.D. ‘11 and Director of Residential Life at the University at Buffalo, has been honored with the Distinguished Service to the Profession Award. This award recognizes his outstanding contributions to higher education, including mentorship, scholarship, research, and leadership in advancing student affairs practices across New York.

Congratulations to Brian on this well-deserved recognition and for his continued impact on the field!

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Maniscola

Sam Maniscola, HESA Master’s ‘22 and Residence Hall Director at the University at Buffalo, is making waves in student affairs! Sam recently presented at the CSPA-NYS Annual Conference on “Energizing Student Affairs Through Neurodivergent Strengths” and was elected Vice President of Communications-Elect for the CSPA-NYS Executive Board.

Congratulations to Sam on these amazing accomplishments and for continuing to create inclusive and empowering campus communities!

It's time for another Alumni Spotlight!

Dima Abass, HESA Master’s ‘23 and current EdD LAI doctoral candidate at the University at Buffalo, is on the verge of a major milestone—she will be defending her dissertation, “Beyond One-Size-Fits-All,” in May 2026. Passionate about advancing inclusive approaches in higher education, Dima is preparing to share her research at MENA-focused conferences and is actively exploring professional opportunities in the field.

We’re excited to highlight Melissa Palmucci (SAA Master’s, 2004), a higher education consultant working with RIT and QuestBridge and based in Yorktown, VA. Melissa continues to support students and institutions through her consulting work, bringing years of experience in higher education to the field.

Recently, Melissa and her husband, Nick ’04—now Senior Director of Supply Chain at Ferguson—returned to UB with their two children, Norah and Max, to visit some of their favorite campus spots. It was a full-circle moment as Norah toured the School of Management on her very first college visit.

Are you a UBHED alum interested in being featured? Send us a DM or email [email protected]
to be highlighted in an upcoming post.

It's time for another Student Spotlight! This week: Amiya Riggs

A first-year HESA M.Ed. student from Baltimore, Amiya discovered her passion for Higher Education & Student Affairs after exploring different majors and finding her calling in supporting first-gen students.

She loves connecting with students through TASS & First-Gen, solving jigsaw puzzles, and bingeing K-dramas like As You Stood By. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring Buffalo’s neighborhoods or enjoying sunset walks along the Niagara River.

Swipe to learn more about Amiya!

Alumni Spotlight Series Time!

We’re proud to highlight Nicholas Zieziula (HED Master’s, 2008), Head Men’s Tennis Coach at Binghamton University. Nicholas was recently honored with the prestigious President’s Award for Staff Excellence in Community Engagement at the University’s Excellence Awards Dinner, recognizing his outstanding commitment to community engagement and positive social impact. In addition to leading a nationally recognized program—including back-to-back NEC titles and ITA regional honors—he serves as Co-Executive Director of Tennis Charities of Binghamton, expanding grassroots tennis and mentoring opportunities for youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also serves on the board of Life is Washable Inc., supporting inclusive and adaptive sport programming.

In 2025, Tennis Charities of Binghamton launched “Game, Set, Grow,” bringing 20 middle school students from the Bronx and Brooklyn to campus for a weekend of tours, hands-on science experiences, and mentorship with varsity tennis players. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nicholas and his wife, Dr. Amy Zieziula (UB HED ’08), Director of Student Conduct at Binghamton University, recently welcomed their son Francis Ferro Zieziula, joining siblings Anika Naomi and Willem George. The Zieziulas have also been a certified foster family since 2020.

Are you a UBHED alum interested in being featured? Send us a DM or email [email protected] to be highlighted in an upcoming post.

It’s time for another weekly Student Spotlight!

This week we’re highlighting Laurel (she/her), an HED Ed.D. student from Jamestown who now proudly calls Buffalo home. After earning her Master’s and Ph.D. at the University at Buffalo, she now serves as Assistant Dean for Planning and Analytics at the University at Buffalo School of Law. Her research explores how professional programs navigate evolving licensure requirements, with a focus on attorney admissions and the NextGen bar exam.

Laurel’s favorite thing about UB? The strong sense of community. Outside of work and class, she loves reading Isabel Allende and recently started a small-batch candle company with her four-year-old son.

Are you ready to tackle tough topics in your research?

Led by Dr. Paris Wicker (UB HED faculty!!) and Dr. Fenice Boyd, "Courageous Conversations in Scholarship for Students" will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for navigating debatable topics in research as graduate student. Join us in person or on zoom!

March 4, 2026
3:00–4:00 PM
Foster Hall 301 + Zoom
Light refreshments served

Register here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ikpGlu34sUCZ4l9rUKICUPS1q9NJAThMi0lS6UbIU5ZURU1JSFlETklXVk5LQ0hDUVNHOUMzUFM5UC4u&route=shorturl

Introducing: Alumni Spotlight Series!!

We’re excited to launch a new feature from the UBHED social media team—our Alumni Spotlight Series, where we celebrate the incredible work our graduates are doing in the field.

Our first highlight is Alyssa Steinborn (SAA, MA '17), who serves as Academic Advisement Coordinator in the ELP office within the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo. With GSE’s recent move to South Campus and into Foster Hall, Alyssa has been enjoying the fresh energy of the new space and the amazing view from her office. In October, she accompanied HESA students to the CSPA NYS annual conference in Schenectady, where she presented a session on understanding professional values to find fulfillment at work—earning “Best of CSPA” as voted by attendees. She’ll also be serving on the 2026 conference planning committee and looks forward to welcoming colleagues to Buffalo next year.

Outside of work, Alyssa spends her time chasing her 1.5-year-old daughter, reading lots of books together, and taking courses toward a future master’s in mental health counseling through UB’s new online program.

Are you a UBHED alum interested in being featured? We’d love to highlight you. Send us a DM or email [email protected] to get involved.