Past Outstanding Retiree Award Recipient - 2017

Dr. Avon L. Burns

Dr. Avon L. Burns retired in 2013 as the Coordinator of the MCC Criminal Justice program with more than 29 years of service.  She entered the law enforcement field at a time when it was dominated by males. While at MCC, she radically changed the demographics of the state and local law enforcement community by increasing the number of females and minority students who successfully completed our programs.  She implemented several innovative programs and initiatives, including the Corrections Officer Academic Program, Criminal Justice Student Organization and the Criminal Justice Career Fair. A Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice "Wall of Fame" inductee, Dr. Burns was appointed by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm to the Corrections Officer Training Council where she served as Chairperson from 2009-2012.  In 2014, Mary Cusack, Dean of Fine Arts & Social Science wrote the following statement in recognition of Dr. Burns work: “Dr. Burns brought to the college a wealth and breadth of experience in the field of law enforcement that included industrial security; investigator for the office of the ombudsman; drug program intake, referral and counseling; grant writing; and management and administration work.” Dr. Burns holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Ferris State University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from MSU. While at Mott, she completed a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Wayne State University.  During this time, she also created an approved curriculum to train corrections officers.  Her extensive work in the community has included service to Flint Area Crime Stoppers, New Paths Inc. Board of Directors and the MCC Bruin Club Board of Directors and she continues to give back to her community by serving on many local boards and committees.