Sheffer will serve in the position while Muriel D. Moore, UB's vice president for public service and urban affairs, serves as interim president of Buffalo State College.

A former state senator and assemblyman, Sheffer has served since 1993 as senior fellow with dual appointments in the UB School of Law and UB School of Architecture and Planning.

In announcing Sheffer's appointment, President William R. Greiner noted, "John's experience at UB, around the community and statewide as a former New York State senator will be immensely valuable.

"We very much appreciate his willingness to take on this important responsibility," Greiner added. "We are fortunate to be able to count on someone of such stature and experience to serve in Muriel Moore's stead."

An attorney, Sheffer began his career in public service when he was elected a trustee of the Village of Williamsville in 1976 and mayor of the village in 1977. He represented the 142nd Assembly District in the New York State Assembly from 1979-88 and the 60th Senate District in the New York State Senate from 1989 until resigning to join the UB faculty in 1993.

A graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, Sheffer in 1973 received a juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Syracuse Law Review.

Moore was appointed interim president of Buffalo State College, effective Jan. 1, by SUNY Chancellor Thomas A. Bartlett with the concurrence of the chair of the Buffalo State College Council. A member of UB's administrative staff for more than two decades, prior to her 1992 appointment as vice president for public service and urban affairs, Moore served as senior staff officer to the president.

She joined the university community in 1974 as assistant director of the University Learning Center and in 1981 was named director of the center. From 1984 to 1987, she served as director of UB's Educational Opportunity Center.

In 1987, Moore was appointed associate vice provost for special programs, with responsibility for the supervision and management of 25 multicultural special programs and their personnel. She held that post until 1990, when she was appointed an assistant to the president. She was named deputy to the president in 1991. Since 1986 Moore also has served concurrently as assistant professor (adjunct) of educational organization, administration and policy.

A graduate of CUNY's Richmond College, she holds a master's degree in education and a doctorate in educational organization, administration and policy from UB. She is an active member of a number of state, local and university committees and boards, as well as professional and civic associations. Moore is the recipient of a number of professional and civic awards, including the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, a University Outstanding Service Award, the Niagara Alliance of Black School Educators Appreciation Award and a Black Achiever in Industry Award.