Bridget Burns

Named one of the “Most Innovative People in Higher Education” by Washington Monthly magazine, Dr. Bridget Burns is the founding CEO of the award-winning University Innovation Alliance (UIA), a groundbreaking consortium of public research universities operating as a national laboratory for student success and innovation. Since 2014, she has helped UIA campuses produce 143,000 additional graduates, increasing the number of low-income graduates by 41% and graduates of color by 89%. Dr. Burns is an international keynote speaker with expertise in innovation, higher education, and student success. Her work has been highlighted in national outlets such as The New York Times, Fast Company, and 60 Minutes. She was also featured in the documentary “Unlikely.” She received her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education, Leadership & Policy from Vanderbilt University.