Individuals looking at research posters

About Us

GSA Constitution

Who are we?

As your representative body on campus, the GSA’s mission is to support and speak for the interests of Buffalo State's current and future graduate students.

Additionally, we encourage and organize scholarly activities, provide leadership on campus, and promote social opportunities for networking with other like minded people, in professional and academic settings. 

What do we do?

  • We advocate for your rights and interests while attending Buffalo State University by providing a forum for interaction among our diverse population.
  • We offer leadership opportunities, services, and programs while furnishing reliable and valuable information. 
  • We provide an influential network of current students and alumni for academic and professional development. 
  • We promote a sense of community for all students by encouraging and facilitating communication.

How do we do it?

GSA members are full- and part-time matriculated graduate students attending Buffalo State University and pay the GSA fee.

We require a modest fee of $3.50 per credit hour of study, in order to create opportunities for Buffalo State graduate students who are looking to:

  • Secure funding for their research and scholarship.
  • Participate in professional organizations and conferences
  • Create and present professional posters and documents related to research and scholarship.

2024-2025 Executive Board

Dominique Parke

Dominique Parke

President

2nd Year Graduate Student; Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration

My name is Dominique Parke, and I am a second-year graduate student pursuing my studies in Higher Education Administration. I’m originally from the South and graduated as a proud alum from Buffalo State with my bachelor's in social work. . As a first-generation college student, my journey has been shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen and heard.
During my time as an undergrad, I immersed myself in campus activities, programming, and service, which led to a love for leadership and community building. Currently, I serve as the President of the Graduate Student Association, where I work to amplify graduate student voices in spaces where we may not always have representation. Advocating for equity and inclusion is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m dedicated to ensuring every student feels valued and empowered.
Outside of GSA, I’m the Assistant Complex Director at Bengal Hall, where I help first-year students navigate the transition to college life. Supporting them as they make sense of this new chapter is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy shopping, watching Netflix, and crafting. I’m here to support and advocate for you throughout your graduate journey—don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this a fantastic year together!

Tayllor Clark

Executive Vice President

1st Year Graduate Student; Childhood and Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction

Tayllor Clark is a 2024 alumna of Buffalo State University where she graduated cum laude with her degree in Childhood Education. Before her time at Buffalo State, she attended Niagara County Community College, where she received her degree in Culinary Arts. It was here that Tayllor developed a love of student governance. She served as President of the Student Government Association and in that role, she oversaw all of the unique clubs and organizations on campus, as well as a member of several campus wide committees including the College Association Board and the NCCC Presidential Search Committee. In this time, Tayllor also joined the SUNY Student Assembly where she served on the Rules and Regulations committee, and as Chair of the Community College Caucus.
This love of student advocacy continued as Tayllor began her journey at Buffalo State. The United Students Government was the first organization that she joined on campus and she immediately found her second home. Throughout her four years with USG, she served in numerous roles including the Rules and Regulations Chair, the Executive Vice President, and the President for two terms. Tayllor had the privilege of watching the growth and comradery of the
student body through the trials of a global pandemic, as well as the attempts that followed to redefine a sense of normalcy here on Buffalo State’s campus. Tayllor is a student centered leader through and through, and her goal is, and always will be, to be for the students.
In addition to her work in student governance, Tayllor is an active member in her local community as she has accumulated over 500 volunteer hours for varying activities, as well as being the youngest member and Secretary for the Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls Board of Directors. Additionally, Tayllor is an advocate for women’s rights, civil rights, mental health, an end to gun violence, as well as copious other campaigns and platforms that she strongly believes in!
Now, as she works toward completing her masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Tayllor is honored to serve as your GSA Executive Vice President for the 24-25 academic year, and she is looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the graduate students here at Buffalo State University!

James Waters

James Waters

Vice President for Finance

2nd Year Graduate Student; Business Management

Hello Graduate Students! My name is James Waters but you can all call me Trey; I am a first-year graduate student currently in Business Management and graduated from Buffalo State University with a BA in Communication Studies. I love being involved in campus activities, programming, and service. During my undergraduate studies, I had the pleasure of chartering Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated's Phi Omicron Chapter at Buffalo State. I am a proud Spring 2022 Initiate and have had the honor of welcoming 5 other brothers into the fraternity. I have served many roles of the Chapter such as
President and Dean of Membership. I have also had the honor to serve in district and regional leadership positions. I as well was AASO's Community Service Chair during my senior year and it was a great experience to be on an E-board with so many other passionate students. I also enjoy making music, hanging out with friends, conferences, and playing the PS5 ( I'm just a chill guy). I wanted to be a part of GSA not only to continue my service to the Buffalo State Community but also to be able to provide a voice for the students who feel like they are not being heard. I hope you all enjoy your experience and your journey to your degrees and don't be afraid to ask for help, we are here to be at your service!

Tanhim Khan

Tanhim Khan

Vice President for Administration

1st Year Graduate Student; Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration

Hey guys my name is Tanhim Khan I’m from Queens, NY and I am your Vice President of Administration for GSA. I am currently a first year HESAA student, for my undergraduate I went to Buffalo State as well and obtained a Bachelor’s in History/Childhood Education. I have worked with my fraternity on a national level for 3+ years and have always interest in college administration and affairs. My hobbies include going to car meets and going to the gym on an everyday basis. I look forward to bringing great events to the table to inform people what GSA is about and how much we can cater to the graduate population.

Senators

School of Arts and Sciences

Evelynn Bird

School of Education

Michael Ferraro

Danae Hardy

School of Professions

Lisa Kennedy 

Senator At-Large

Charvaye Hutchins-Carter