Catherine Fisher Collins was elected by a joint session of the New York State Legislature on March 10, 2015, to the Board of Regents for a five-year term representing the 8th judicial district.

Regent Catherine Fisher Collins’ educational background includes undergraduate degrees from Trocaire College in nursing and a Bachelor of Science Degree from State University College in Vocational Technical Education. She also has an earned doctorial degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Education Administration. From the same institution she also received her Master’s Degree in Allied Health Education and Curriculum Development, graduated from the School of Nursing in the Nurse Practitioner’s Program. Regent Collins’ holds certifications in Health Occupations and Jr. College Teaching.

Dr. Collins is a respected author of over thirteen published books. In 2011 she launched the Women’s Health Radio show that airs on WWWS 1400 AM every other Saturday with a focus on women’s health issues and wellness. Dr. Collins has also held positions in health care and education administration, among them school nurse, practical nursing instructor, director/instructor of a Registered Nursing Program, Executive Director of University at Buffalo Offices of Preparatory Programs, Coordinator/Instructor at the Educational Opportunity Center’s certified nursing assistant program, Assistant Academic Dean for Allied Health Education and Directory Ambulatory Care and in Health Planning.

Dr. Collins has received over 50 awards and honors which include: Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame, SUNY Outstanding Faculty Fellow, Honors from the Governors of New Jersey (outstanding service), New York (Attica Prison Health Initiative), Connecticut (community services), Kentucky (International Community Services), the SUNY Empire State College 2014 Jane Altes Prize for Exemplary Community Services, and the Life Time achievement Award from Jack and Jill of America where she served as National Vice President. Regent Collins is a Trocaire College and Lafayette High School Distinguished Alumna. She is also a graduate of England’s Oxford University Women’s Roundtable, and in 2015, The New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators Inc., Arthur O. Eve award for individuals who demonstrate a passion for assisting their community in understanding and supporting both public and higher education; she is a strong advocate in promoting the success of all students in New York State.

Regent Collins is currently an Associate Professor at SUNY Empire State College. She has two children, Dr. Clyde A Collins, a gastroenterologist and Mrs. Laura Harris, a school administrator.