Bridget Burns

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Bridget Burns is the Senior Policy Advisor for the Oregon University System. In addition to policy advising, she represents OUS and the Chancellor to organizations, constituents, and partners.  Burns also conducts research and provides leadership to policy, programs, initiatives, and other mandates.

Bridget previously worked as Policy and Research Associate in the department of communication and public affairs.  She works in the Portland office.

Burns served two terms on the State Board of Higher Education from 2003 to 2007.  She is the immediate past Chair and current Vice Chair of the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, and previously served on the Oregon Citizens Commission on the Legislature.  Bridget is an advisor to the Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), a non-profit educational research organization funded by the Pew Charitable Trust.

Burns has served as the national chair of the State Student Association Alliance, the President of the Associated Students of Oregon State University, as well as director of its task forces addressing federal affairs and disability affairs. She was a founding national board member for Mobilizing America's Youth.

While at OSU she successfully advocated on behalf of low-income students, achieving a $2.2 million increase in institutional financial aid, in addition to establishing a need-based aid program at Oregon State and raising $300,000 for low-income students.

She is the recipient of the 2006 Oregon Student Association Student of the Year award, 2004 Jo Anne Trowe Woman of Distinction Award, and the 2003 Leadership in Social Change Award at OSU. Burns also was an accomplished and successful debater for OSU, garnering a spot on the prestigious two person American National Debate team in 2005, and winning All-American status in 2004.

Burns is completing her Masters degree in Public Policy at OSU with a thesis focus of “Public Opinion of Oregon Public Higher Education”.  She received her bachelor's degree from OSU in political science in 2004. Prior to her time at Oregon State, Burns attended North Idaho College and served its student body as vice president.

Burns is a native of Montana, where she was a state champion in debate.