Coleen is a member of Princeton University’s Office of the Dean for Research leadership team. She is committed to creating a culture of innovation, bold initiative, and open communication.
As the executive director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, and the Research Development Office, Coleen advances the mission of the University by leading efforts to enhance the innovation ecosystem and develop strategic and innovative research collaborations with external partners including government, industry and foundations.
Prior to Princeton, Coleen had leadership roles in both government and higher education, including at Northwestern University, University of Chicago, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and St. Louis County government. She received her Master of Arts from Saint Louis University.
Coleen has an unwavering, lifelong dedication to public service, which was reinforced when she was elected to two terms as the City of Evanston, Illinois’ 9th Ward Alderman. In this capacity, she was appointed to and led several city committees, including planning, economic development, and administration and public works, and she has volunteered on numerous political campaigns. Burrus has also served on the boards of community-focused organizations in Missouri, Illinois, and New Jersey.
In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, skiing, playing golf, hiking, going to the theater, politics, and gathering with friends and family.
Princeton University Committees/Groups
- AI Advisory Committee
- Celebrate Princeton Innovation
- Faculty Research Forum
- Fund-Raising Priority Committee
- Conflict of Interest in Research Panel
- Innovation and Industry Network (I2N)
- Whitman staff fellow