Dr. Catherine Fisher Collins, an adjunct professor in Niagara University’s College of Education, has been selected as an honoree at City & State’s 10th Annual Above & Beyond Award. She will be among the 40 most powerful women in New York recognized at the publication’s virtual ceremony on March 31, 2021, for exemplary leadership in their field and significant contributions to society.
Dr. Collins is a distinguished educator, author, and member of the New York State Board of Regents. She has dedicated much of her personal and professional life to promoting the twin issues of good health and a sound education, with a special emphasis on the needs of underserved youth/women and individuals in Western New York. She is a forceful and passionate advocate in promoting the success of all students in New York state.
Dr. Collins has held numerous positions health care and education administration, and has served for five years on the Buffalo Board of Education, holding several board positions. She is the recipient of more than 70 awards and honors; the most recent include Buffalo Business First Power 125 Women of 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020; Utopian Euphoria Women of Excellence Award of 2017; and the Minority Bar Foundation 2018 Education Award. She was chosen this year for the GSE Distinguished Alumni Award for University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education.
In addition to her role at Niagara, Dr. Collins is host of the Women’s Health radio show in Buffalo, N.Y., is co-chair of the Higher Education Committee, and chair of the Buffalo Black Achievers Scholarship Committee.