Susan E. Burns, associate vice president for development at Wayne State University, has assumed additional responsibilities in the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs on an interim basis. In addition to her duties leading the major gifts effort, Burns is now the chief development officer overseeing all development officers and directing the university's $500 million capital campaign. Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Meredith E. Gibbs made the announcement.

According to Gibbs, Burns is prepared and equipped for the challenge of fulfilling a larger role in Wayne State's overall development effort. "Susan has a wealth of experience in fundraising and has played an active role in Wayne First (capital campaign) since joining the university in 2001," Gibbs said. "She is a natural to take on these increased responsibilities for such an important effort."

Prior to joining Wayne State University, Burns was vice president for development at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She also served as director of major gifts and planned giving with Interlochen Center for the Arts and vice president of institutional advancement and marketing with Kendall College of Art and Design. In addition, she has held managerial positions in development and marketing with various symphonies nationwide. She currently serves on the Detroit Artist Market board.

A Wayne State University graduate and Detroit resident, Burns has continued to be an active volunteer for several organizations including the Michigan Humanities Council, Detroit Rotary and Michigan Council for the Arts.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.