Marianne Sullivan

I have worked at UB for the last twenty-seven years. Prior to this, I worked in industry, and always knew that my career would be best suited in higher education.

I enjoy several things about my job. I work for a leader who provides a great example for the rest of our team to follow; it’s nice to work for someone who helps their employees be their best.  

I enjoy working with a very diverse group of people who all have expertise in so many areas. It’s great to be able to pick the minds of these experts who provide a very broad perspective on things.

I also enjoy my position because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission of our School.

While I served as Executive Director at the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, I created the Henry A. Panasci Jr. Entrepreneurship Competition. I am very proud that I had the opportunity to create a program that still exists today and provides seed money to create viable businesses in WNY. It’s great to know that the first business that was awarded monies, Campus Labs, turned into a multimillion dollar success. 

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will be celebrating its’ 75^th anniversary next year and is a great place to work. It’s the largest public engineering school in NYS. We have a new Dean who is a visionary and will help improve our ratings so that we are a top 25 school in the US – keep an eye out for this!

I highly recommend that all professional staff get involved with PSS activities and serve on a committee or two. From my experience, being involved with PSS and serving on PSS committees has been valuable and allowed me to meet UB members that I’ve relied on for help, guidance and information. I have stayed current on a number of UB activities and initiatives as a result of my PSS involvement.

I enjoy snow skiing in the winter and flying a Cessna airplane in the summer. 

I’m very proud of my Italian heritage and growing up in a household where I regularly enjoyed an Italian meal. One of the dishes that I enjoy eating and making is Pasta e Fagioli. 

On my bucket list is skiing in the Swiss alps.

I have always enjoyed learning about the topic of leadership and teaching it. For the past couple of decades I’ve taught graduate courses on leadership and shared not only book knowledge, but practical knowledge with my students.