LEAD On! A Leadership Podcast by UB Student Engagement University at Buffalo Student Engagement

In this episode, we reflect on Samuel P. Capen, Muriel Howard, Clifford Furnas, and Majorie Girth. 



In our final episode of Season 3, we reflect on the extraordinary leadership and enduring legacies of Samuel P. Capen, Muriel A. Howard, Clifford Furnas, and Marjorie Girth at the University at Buffalo. We are joined once more by Bill Offhaus, a reference archivist with the University Archives who first introduced us to Capen. In this episode, we discuss how these 4 visionary leaders shaped the trajectory of higher education and community engagement in Buffalo and beyond. From Capen's pioneering efforts in academic freedom to Howard's groundbreaking achievement as the first woman and African American to be a vice president at UB; and from Furnas overseeing the rise of UB as a public university to Girth's advocacy efforts for a Women's Studies BA, we consider how they built the university we recognize today. Join us as we celebrate their enduring legacy and contemplate the lessons their leadership imparts for current and future generations.



Interested in learning more? Check out the University Archives located in Capen Hall, Room 420. Feel free to visit their website to learn more: https://library.buffalo.edu/specialcollections/ 

In this episode, we discuss Majorie Girth.

Majorie L. Girth, a distinguished professor of law, was the first female faculty member of the University at Buffalo's School of Law. She joined the Law School in 1971 as an Associate Professor and received tenure in 1979. She also served as the Associate Dean of the Law School from 1986-1987. Girth served on a University-wide Committee and pushed for a Women's Studies BA in 1981 and spoke out in support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). After serving 20 years at UB she joined Georgia State University College of Law as Dean and retired professor emerita in 2009.

Interested in learning more? Check out the University Archives located in Capen Hall, Room 420. Feel free to visit their website to learn more: https://library.buffalo.edu/specialcollections/ 

In this episode, we discuss Clifford Furnas.

Clifford C. Furnas, a distinguished engineer, scientist, and educator was Chancellor & President of UB from 1954 to 1962. As UB's leader, Furnas spearheaded a dynamic transformation, propelling the institution from its roots of a private medical school into the public university we recognize today. He oversaw the expansion of the university which included enrollment doubling, more faculty hired, better office and lab space, and increased research funds.


Interested in learning more? Check out the University Archives located in Capen Hall, Room 420. Feel free to visit their website to learn more: https://library.buffalo.edu/specialcollections/

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Muriel A. Howard.

Dr. Howard was born in Wilson, North Carolina, and received her Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Richmond College, the City University of New York. Dr. Howard then moved to Buffalo to pursue graduate school. She earned her master's of education and doctorate in educational organization, administration, and policy from the University at Buffalo. She made UB history by becoming the first woman and the first African American to be a vice president at UB, serving during the Greiner administration. And in 1996 she became President of Buffalo State University (formerly known as Buffalo State College). Her commitment to college access and fostering a culture of inclusivity has left an enduring legacy in the Buffalo region.


Interested in learning more? Check out the University Archives located in Capen Hall, Room 420. Feel free to visit their website to learn more: https://library.buffalo.edu/specialcollections/

In this episode, we learn more about Samuel P. Capen and we are joined by Bill Offhaus.

Samuel Capen served as Chancellor of the University at Buffalo from 1922 to 1950. Capen transformed the institution from a local college into a globally recognized research university. He championed academic freedom, diversity, and accessibility, establishing UB as a beacon of innovation and excellence. Under his guidance, UB experienced significant growth in enrollment, faculty, and academic programs, expanding its influence and impact.



We are joined by Bill Offhaus, a reference archivist with the Univeristy Archives, who shares Capen's story. The University Archives and the rest of UB's Special Collections are housed (quite fittingly) in Capen Hall, Room 420. Feel free to visit their website to learn more: https://library.buffalo.edu/specialcollections/

“The excitement of being alive is to, over time, discover things that you’re passionate about.”



For the last episode of the semester, Chelsea Montrois, Product Designer at Anthology, talks about her winding leadership and career journey, emphasizes the value of experimentation in college, and dispels the myth of urgency around finding your passion.



Which UB alum or local Buffalo leader do YOU want to hear on LEAD On! next? What leadership skills do you think are underrepresented? Let us know at leadub@buffalo.edu!



The researcher referenced in this episode was Katherine W. Phillips.

Her article, "How Diversity Makes Us Smarter": https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/