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  4. Heather E. Burton

Heather E. Burton, PhD

Associate Vice President and Senior Director for Faculty and Institutional Diversity
the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement

Heather E. Burton, PhD, is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Black Studies with a minor in Theater, a Master of Social Work, University of Akron, a Master of Public Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies and Public Affairs both from Cleveland State University.  
Dr. Burton is associate vice president and senior director for faculty and institutional diversity with Case Western Reserve University, specializing in gender and racial equity. Dr. Burton works to create and encourage individual and systemic change through policy and practice.  
Dr. Burton serves as adjunct faculty in the African and African American studies program, theater, and social work teaching on concepts of race, racism, and social policy. She has been featured locally, nationally, and internationally as a speaker and workshop presenter. Some of her published works include: “My Eloquent Angry Black Rage” book chapter in Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls, Crimson Heights, I’m Single, So What? and upcoming releases Where are the Women:  A Guide to Intergenerational Women’s Ministries.
Because of her diligence and dedication to reflect change within the community and Case Western Reserve University, she has received the Feminist Mentor Award, Staff Diversity Award, Qgrad Outstanding Faculty and Staff Mentor Award, Mather Spotlight & Women of Achievement Award, National Women’s Studies Association Mentor Award, YWCA Women of Achievement, RH Boyd Award for Excellence and Who’s Who of Black Cleveland. 
She was Co-Chair for the Ellipsis Institute for Women of Color in the Academy, CWRU (2018, 2019, 2020) and now serves as a member of the Board of Directors.  She also serves on the Boards of The Greater Cleveland Delta Life Development Center and SHINE, Inc. She is founder of Crimson Heights, Ministries, Inc. a 501 (c)(3) geared towards the holistic development of women.  As an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, she serves as Co-Chair of Arts & Letters, Sergeant of Arms.