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Houghton University Furthers Commitment to Buffalo Families

June 15, 2022

Houghton University continues to expand its investment in Buffalo with the appointment of Terri Ann (Williams) Coplin-Howard, passionately known within the community as Pastor “TC”, as the Associate Director of Admission in Buffalo. 

“My goal is to help students – part-time and full-time – overcome roadblocks to further their education,” said Coplin-Howard. “By collaborating with Buffalo high schools‘ college readiness coordinators and school counselors, as well as adults looking to complete their college degree, we can empower every college-ready student to overcome educational challenges to achieve their academic and professional dreams.”

…we can empower every college-ready student to overcome educational challenges to achieve their academic and professional dreams.

Terri Ann (Williams) Coplin-Howard

Like students in many school districts across the nation, Buffalo’s youth face obstacles in considering higher education. Questions such as: am I ready for college, who will pay for my education, and why should I even attend, are commonplace. It was for this reason that Houghton University initially established its educational centers in the heart of Buffalo. 

“These students were often the first in their families and neighborhoods to attend college; they often experienced higher education as a series of obstacles and not a pathway to professional and personal advancement and flourishing,” remarked Rev. Julian Cook, dean of Houghton University Buffalo. “Houghton Buffalo exists as an oasis for education access and ethical leadership development in a community often overlooked, underappreciated, and misrepresented.”

Houghton Buffalo exists as an oasis for education access and ethical leadership development in a community often overlooked, underappreciated, and misrepresented.

Rev. Julian Cook

Since 2014, Houghton University has brought a distinctive, private Christian college education to the residents of Buffalo. Students at Houghton Buffalo earn their first college degree in the form of a two-year associate degree in business, criminal justice, psychology, or the liberal arts. Additionally, students this fall have the option to earn their bachelor’s degree in business, criminal justice, or psychology through a hybrid program with the Houghton, NY campus. Many are the first in their family to go to college and require additional assistance to navigate admission processes and their coursework. 

“I am thrilled to have Terri Ann representing Houghton University and serving as the first, friendly face for students as they consider their first college degree from Houghton in Buffalo,” said Houghton President, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. “The legacy of Houghton in Buffalo is one of opportunity and excellence. We continue to eliminate barriers for students to access a high-quality, Christ-centered college education that radically expands their options for careers, graduate and professional school, and life. Terri Ann’s role will be essential to Houghton’s efforts to reach and serve historically underserved citizens on the East Side of Buffalo, including recent high school graduates and adult students who wish to begin or complete a college degree.” 

Houghton’s proven track record in educational support will now be provided by Coplin-Howard throughout the admission process. 

“Terri Ann brings a fresh, innovative perspective to our successful programs in Buffalo,” said Jason Towers, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Her connections throughout the community, including with Buffalo Public Schools and through her World of Girls and Boys Empowerment Mentorship Co., will allow more students to discover the transformative power of a Christ-centered Houghton education.” 

A Buffalo native and graduate of Houghton, Coplin-Howard knows the importance of education and the impact of a Houghton degree. With a background as an educator focused on the empowerment of children, adolescents and adults as successful academic scholars and great leaders, she brings a focus on community outreach to her new role. Her past experience includes over 22 years of tenured, dedicated service in Buffalo Public Schools, for which she was recognized with the New York State Alliance of Black Schools of Education Outstanding Educator of the Year Award. 

“I embrace the proverb that ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’” stated Coplin-Howard. “This is an exciting moment to partner with the effective mentorship programs and community-based tutorial services to proactively help Buffalo students. I am delighted to enroll students at Houghton so that they can experience this awesome journey, just as I did.” 

Coplin-Howard earned her Pastoral Ministerial License from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. She is married and is the proud mother of three college graduates.