Buffalo Business First has named Houghton University’s President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., to the Power 100 Business Leaders of Color. In 2013, Buffalo Business First released their Power 250, an annual of the most powerful people in Buffalo. In 2016, they added the Power 100 (now 200) Women, and in 2022, they introduced the Power 100 Business Leaders of Color. This list of accomplished leaders includes C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and our favorite university president who are all influential leaders in Western New York.

Before coming to Houghton, Lewis served as the Commissioner of Education for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the inaugural Dean of the School of Education at Belmont University. He has brought his commitment to improving educational access, opportunities, and experiences for students to Houghton University. During his first year at Houghton, Lewis has emphasized a strong commitment to our students and our employees. The University has achieved several significant milestones under President Lewis’ leadership—including achieving our new name, Houghton University; streamlining our academic structure; and initiating the development of a future-focused strategic plan. He meets regularly with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other members of the Highlander family—across the state and beyond—as he partners with others to build upon the University’s momentum. This makes him well-deserving to be listed as a Power 100 Business Leader of Color.