Mott CCPast 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.
