Shannon Burton

Shannon Burton, PhD, serves as an Adjunct Professor of Management at Aquinas College and the University Ombudsperson at Michigan State University. She holds a PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University, alongside multiple master's degrees and bachelor's degrees in Russian Studies, Sociology, and Spanish. Her work focuses on conflict resolution, academic integrity, and organizational ombuds practices.

Education:

• PhD in Higher, Adult & Lifelong Education (with Global Urban Studies specialization) - Michigan State University
• MS in Academic Advising - Kansas State University
• MA in Student Affairs Administration - Michigan State University
• BS/B.A. in Sociology/Russian Studies/Spanish - Grand Valley State University
• Graduate Certificate in Dialogue & Public Engagement - Kansas State University

Research Interests: She specializes in organizational conflict management, institutional compliance frameworks, and the evolution of ombuds practices. Her work emphasizes creating inclusive conflict-resolution spaces aligned with the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) standards.

Professional Contributions: She co-edits the Journal of the IOA, chairs the IOA Research & Assessment Committee, and advises the National Academies on sexual harassment prevention. Her 2021 publication in JIOA analyzes ombuds office establishment in academic research associations.

Committees & Roles:

• Member of MSU's Relationship Violence & Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup
• Editor for the Journal of the International Ombuds Association
• Co-founder of the American Educational Research Association's Ombuds Program

Labs/Teams: Engaged in institutional task forces addressing workplace bullying, harassment policies, and academic integrity initiatives through faculty learning communities and consortiums.