DETROIT - Wayne State University has named Susan E. Burns as vice president for development and alumni affairs and president of the Wayne State University Foundation, effective Feb. 8, 2016.

The appointment will return Burns to her alma mater, where she previously served in various development leadership positions from 2001-08, including vice president for development and alumni affairs and president of the Wayne State University Foundation. She spearheaded the planning and implementation of the university’s first comprehensive capital campaign, Wayne First.

“We are very excited that Susan is returning to the university in a critical leadership role,” said Wayne State President M. Roy Wilson. “Susan’s extensive background in development and her connections with alumni and the philanthropic community will benefit the university as we continue to move forward with our comprehensive Pivotal Moments fundraising campaign.”  

Prior to accepting the position, Susan served as president of the St. John Providence Foundations for more than seven years. Before her earlier career at Wayne State University, she led successful development efforts for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kendall College of Art and Design, and other organizations.

“I am excited about returning to the university and working in the Midtown Detroit area where I reside. In fact, it feels somewhat like a homecoming,” said Burns. “My association with Wayne State has been a positive influence for me professionally and personally. I look forward to the challenges ahead and, in particular, leading the current Pivotal Moments fundraising campaign to a successful conclusion.”

Burns earned a bachelor’s in music management at Wayne State.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students.