Houghton Buffalo Closes

By Sarah Burton

On Jan. 23, 2023, President Lewis visited Houghton University Buffalo and announced that they would not be accepting any new students to the commuter campus. It was first opened in 2014, and this news has come as a shock to many. In a letter published on Jan. 24, he explains the reasons behind the situation.

The Buffalo Extension Site was not approved to become a Center when President Lewis first applied for it to become one in 2021. Part of the process for it to be approved was consulting existing colleges and universities within the city of Buffalo. 

Erie Community College, Buffalo State College, and Niagara County Community College objected to Houghton Buffalo, thinking that Houghton’s approval would be, as President Lewis paraphrased, “detrimental to existing institutions” in the area.

Due to this kind of backlash in Buffalo, approval was halted and made increasingly more difficult. According to President Lewis, “[Houghton Buffalo] was notified on Dec. 27, 2022 that it would not be approved as an Extension Center.” If Houghton were to continue the fight for approval, the master plan for the entire University would have to change.

He states at the conclusion of his letter that “while we will no longer admit new students in Buffalo… Houghton remains steadfastly committed to our current students… and we will serve them through completion of their Houghton degrees.”

Interim Dean of Houghton University Buffalo Steve Strand describes the loss that is felt by faculty, staff, and students alike, saying that “They [Faculty and Staff] are very committed to the work here… [they] feel a sense of loss because they are intensely motivated by a strong sense of mission to serve students.”

Student Financial Services Specialist Ginny Dadaian also remarks on this sense of loss, showing true passion in her responses. 

“I love Houghton University,” she exclaimed. “All across the US, private and public colleges and universities are struggling, unfortunately Houghton University is a victim of this wave.”

Dadaian, as well as several students, remarked on the impact of surrounding schools in the Buffalo area on the closing of Houghton Buffalo.

 “I was thinking about furthering my education after my two year degree, but now I don’t know what to do,” states David Elliot, a sophomore. 

Many of the students from Houghton Buffalo express deep concern for the branch’s closure. In particular, Desiree Radford has decided to take full course loads for both semesters of 2023, as well as a summer session to complete her degree by the winter. 

“Even though President Lewis promised that we would all be able to complete our degree plan,” Radford says, “I just don’t have faith in that promise anymore.”

Radford also expresses the worries of the student body of Houghton Buffalo, stating “I am left to wonder why minorities always get the short end of the stick. I am very happy being at Houghton Buffalo, but I don’t feel like I am a part of Houghton University. So, I am very sickened by this decision.”

Many students from Houghton Buffalo are deeply concerned about the future of their education and the lack of resources they have now, upon hearing of the closing of their school. Transportation is an issue for several and there is a distinct lack of trust many feel, with many saying the student body wasn’t aware or involved until the visit made by President Lewis.

The closing of Houghton University Buffalo shocked many in the community. It has also challenged the community, with many mixed feelings from faculty, staff, and students about the situation. Its lasting impact has yet to be seen, with some expressing hope for the future and others suffering from a severe sense of grief and discontent. ★