Jennifer Paterson

Academic Advisor and Student Success Coach
(she/her/hers)
JLPaters@buffalo.edu

Education: EdM in School Counseling, University at Buffalo, MS in Organizational Communication & Development, Canisius University, BA in Communication Studies & Sociology/Anthropology (concentrations in Advertising and Interpersonal Communication), Canisius University

Academic path: I began my career in communications as a graphic designer and marketing professional, most notably leading Creative Services at Canisius University. In 2017, I shifted into education, first serving as a K–12 school counselor with a primary focus on high school students, and later joining SEAS as a Student Success Coach. In this role, I supported first-year students as they navigated the academic and personal transition to university life. Throughout my career, I’ve combined strong communication skills with a deep commitment to student support, and in many ways, my journey has come full circle -- after nearly a decade at Canisius early on, I’m back in higher education at UB, helping students thrive.

Specialty areas: Student success coaching; graphic design; marketing communications

Hobbies and interests: I’m a proud “college mom” who spends many fall weekends cheering on my daughter as she plays D1 collegiate rugby. I’m also a lifelong, long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan who believes all the heartbreak builds character. When my husband and I aren’t at a rugby pitch or a Bills game, we enjoy traveling, comedy shows and movies. At home, our two pets keep things lively: Pancho, our eccentric Siamese cat, and Phoebe, our very spoiled Mini St. Berdoodle…yes, that’s St. Bernard + toy poodle!