By Christa Miller ’20
Ellie Burns has been named the director of pre-college programs at Central College.
Burns oversees Central’s Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound I and Upward Bound II. Each year, these programs provide tutoring, counseling, mentoring, financial guidance and access to college education to more than 1,000 participating students from area middle and high schools. All students in the program are income-eligible and/or are potential first-generation college students.
Burns earned an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also has a master’s degree in special education from Murry State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Drake University. Burns has previous experience at Central with the college’s Educational Talent Search program, where she worked from 2008-2016.
“Ellie has extensive knowledge of helping students and parents through the college selection process as well as working with underrepresented populations,” says Carol Williamson, vice president for enrollment and student development. “We are thrilled families will benefit from her vast knowledge and expertise.”
Burns is thankful for the opportunity to return to Central. “My time away from Central and the TRIO programs emphasized the love I have for both the work of TRIO and the Central community. I’m honored to return to a place and department that feels like home,” she says.
Central’s pre-college programs are federally funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Competitions for grant renewal happen every five to six years. Central’s programs have been continuously funded since 1966.
