Dr. Susan R. Burns is the sixth president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Since taking office in 2021, she has led the institution through transformative milestones, including its transition from a college to a university, and launched Seton College, a holistically supportive associate degree program for high-need students. Her leadership has expanded online and graduate offerings, including the Bronx’s first registered physician assistant program and a new community music school.

An extraordinarily effective and collaborative leader, Dr. Burns came to the University of Mount Saint Vincent from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. She also held senior academic roles and earned the rank of full professor with tenure at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Dr. Burns is a nationally respected psychologist, author, and advocate for student research. She has sponsored numerous student publications and authored scholarly texts, including Psychology of Sex and Gender.

Deeply committed to educational equity and community engagement in the Bronx, Dr. Burns has built strong partnerships that broaden access to education. She earned her PhD from Kansas State University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University.