GRAND RAPIDS, MI, March 25, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Walter L. Burt, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Burt has dedicated over five decades to the field of education, culminating in his role as associate professor emeritus at Western Michigan University, a position he has held since 2004. His tenure at the university also included serving as an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership from 2004 to 2018. Over the years, he has taught numerous courses, including school law, introduction to statistics, educational leadership and systems thinking. Dr. Burt's academic career is marked by his commitment to enhancing educational programs and services through evaluation studies and grant writing, skills that have made him a sought-after expert in large metropolitan school districts. His affiliations with the American Association of School Administrators, the Michigan Association of African-American Superintendents and the National Alliance of Black School Educators further reflect his dedication to the industry.

Before his long-standing association with Western Michigan University, Dr. Burt was a project manager at the Stupski Foundation from 2003 to 2004. In this role, he applied his educational leadership expertise to manage projects to improve school systems. Before this, he served as the school superintendent for the Pontiac School District from 1999 to 2003, where he was instrumental in implementing policies that improved instructional quality and research technology.

Dr. Burt's career also includes significant contributions as the assistant superintendent for quality instruction, research and technology from 1996 to 1999. He further honed his skills as the executive director of planning, evaluation, and student services at Gary Community School Corporation in Indiana from 1992 to 1996. His early career included roles at Wayne University and Grand Valley State College and teaching science and mathematics in Michigan from 1972 to 1974.

Along with other industry scholars, Dr. Burt has authored and co-authored numerous publications regarding data-driven leadership, data-informed decision-making at the school level, the Michigan Wallace Initiative and strengthening student achievement.

Throughout his career, Dr. Burt has been an active member of Omega Psi Phi, reflecting his commitment to professional development and community service. His dedication to education is further evidenced by his numerous awards, including the Strengthening Community Connections Award from Western Michigan University in 2008 and a full scholarship for his PhD at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Burt's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in biology from Alcorn State University in 1967, followed by a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from Eastern Michigan University in 1971. He completed his PhD in educational leadership at The University of Michigan in 1975. His strong foundation in science and mathematics has been pivotal in his approach to academic leadership and policy analysis.

Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Dr. Burt enjoys playing golf and volunteering at his church. He is deeply committed to his family's faith and feels strongly obligated to support individuals and organizations that could benefit from his expertise. Guided by the motto "In order to be a friend, you must first of all, show yourself friendly," Dr. Burt continues to share his blessings through unwavering dedication and support for others.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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