Burrus named director of corporate and foundation relations

By Karin Dienst, Office of Communications on March 16, 2015, 10 a.m.
Coleen Burros

Coleen Burrus

Photo courtesy of Coleen Burrus

Coleen Burrus, an institutional advancement professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning the higher education, philanthropic, corporate and government sectors, has been appointed director of corporate and foundation relations at Princeton University. Her appointment is effective April 27.

Reporting to Dean for Research Pablo Debenedetti and working closely with the University's Office of Development, Burrus will lead a team that builds partnerships with corporations and foundations that result in gifts, research awards and research collaborations to support a wide range of University-wide, departmental and program needs. She will develop and implement strategic plans that support the research and funding priorities of the University. 

"I am thrilled that Coleen Burrus will become Princeton's director of corporate and foundation relations," said Debenedetti. "She has a stellar record of accomplishment in building partnerships with corporations and private foundations. Through inclusive and inspirational leadership and strategic vision, Coleen has developed diverse and high-performing teams. I very much look forward to her leadership, collegial style and strategic thinking." 

Burrus comes to Princeton from Northwestern University, where she worked for the past 11 years, first in foundation relations, and since 2009, as senior director of corporate engagement. Previously, Burrus worked at the Harris School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago.

Burrus has extensive experience in government and has served on the city council of Evanston, Illinois, as well as on the city's planning commission. She also has held positions with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Denver and with the St. Louis County Government. She has served as a board member of several community-focused organizations. 

"I am most honored to be joining the Office of the Dean for Research at Princeton University and look forward to working with Dean Debenedetti, President Eisgruber, Provost Lee and the faculty," Burrus said. "This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the corporate and foundation relations enterprise at the University."

Burrus holds a bachelor's degree in history from Fontbonne College and a master's degree in urban affairs from Saint Louis University.

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