Dr. Ava Burns serves as the Interim Vice President of Student Services and Success at Calbright College. She is an experienced higher education leader recognized for advancing student success through strategic innovation, operational excellence, and collaborative, student-centered design.
At Calbright, Dr. Burns provides executive leadership for the Student Services and Success Division. She partners across the institution to develop and advance integrated strategies that support students from onboarding through completion, with a focus on removing barriers, strengthening persistence, and improving outcomes for diverse adult learners. Her work is grounded in cross-functional alignment, data-informed decision-making, and the intentional application of design and innovation to continuously elevate the student experience at scale.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Burns served as Dean of Student Journey at Calbright, where she helped build and operationalize the college’s student support infrastructure. She previously held leadership roles at Golden West College where she led enrollment and retention initiatives and implemented process improvements that significantly expanded student access.
Dr. Burns brings a comprehensive understanding of the student lifecycle, shaped by her experience across advising, enrollment management, and student support operations. She is known for building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and driving institutional practices that center equity and student success.
Dr. Burns holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English Literature and Human Development from California State University, Long Beach, where she graduated summa cum laude. She has presented at statewide and national conferences on topics including student-centered co-design, enrollment strategy, and innovative approaches to supporting student persistence and completion.
