Cheryl Burris: A Trailblazer in Education and Instructional Design
Cheryl Burris is an influential educator, program leader, and doctoral student whose career spans more than two decades of experience in education, instructional design, and program management. Beginning her doctoral journey at George Mason University in Fall 2024, Cheryl is focused on groundbreaking research that intersects instructional design and digital accessibility for neurodivergent learners. With a career that includes leadership roles at prestigious institutions and organizations, Cheryl Burris exemplifies dedication to education, equity, and innovation.
This article explores Cheryl Burris’s professional journey, her academic pursuits at the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, and her impact through her previous roles at the Challenger Center, First Baptist Church Southern Pines, Village of Whispering Pines, and Serco. It also highlights her memberships and contributions to professional organizations.
Cheryl Burris: A Profile in Education Leadership
Education Specialist and Learning Experience Designer
Cheryl Burris is a consummate education specialist with a reputation for developing and leading robust educational programs both nationally and globally. Her expertise lies in instructional design, course development, program governance, and training management. She possesses a unique ability to enhance existing programs and align them with organizational goals, creating environments where learners and educators alike can thrive.
Her educational background is impressive, with dual Master of Education degrees—one in Learning, Design, and Technology, and the other in Adult Education. Additionally, she holds certificates in Educational Technology Integration and Distance Education. This comprehensive training underpins her ability to integrate innovative digital solutions into traditional and virtual learning ecosystems.
Starting a New Chapter: Doctoral Studies at George Mason University
College of Education and Human Development – A Hub of Innovation
In Fall 2024, Cheryl Burris began her doctoral studies at the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, located in Alexandria, Virginia. This college is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. It fosters an environment where students engage in transformative learning experiences, supported by cutting-edge research and technology.
Cheryl’s focus is on special education and instructional design, specifically investigating the intersection of instructional design and neurodiversity. Her goal is to identify gaps in educational resources and methods for neurodivergent learners and to contribute to more inclusive and accessible digital education practices.
Research Focus: Instructional Design and Neurodiversity
Cheryl Burris’s doctoral research addresses a vital and growing need: how to design digital instructional materials that accommodate neurodivergent students. Neurodiversity recognizes that neurological differences like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are natural variations of the human brain. Designing educational content that is accessible and effective for all learners requires both empathy and innovation.
Her research aims to move beyond anecdotal evidence to provide concrete, data-driven strategies for delivering neuro-inclusive education. By combining instructional design principles with accessibility standards, Cheryl seeks to enhance learning outcomes and student confidence for neurodivergent populations.
Professional Experience: Leading Education Programs
Challenger Center: Leading National STEM Education Programs
From August 2019 to March 2023, Cheryl Burris served as the Program Director of Education at the Challenger Center in Washington, D.C. The Challenger Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators and explorers through STEM education.
In this role, Cheryl led cradle-to-grave education programs for two national initiatives, overseeing curriculum development, program alignment, resource creation, and evaluation. She managed large-scale projects involving diverse stakeholders, from NASA and NOAA to corporate partners, ensuring all educational programs met rigorous standards and fostered community engagement.
Her leadership at the Challenger Center also included spearheading global professional development programs for 42 domestic and international learning centers. She implemented digital tools and solutions that streamlined operations and enhanced communication, illustrating her forward-thinking approach to education management.
First Baptist Church Southern Pines: Leadership in Food Services and Community
Cheryl Burris’s leadership skills extend beyond education into community service. From 2016 to 2018, she directed Food Services and Hospitality at First Baptist Church Southern Pines in North Carolina. Here, she managed volunteers, oversaw meal preparation for large community events, and handled procurement and inventory control.
This role demonstrated Cheryl’s ability to apply her organizational and leadership skills in diverse settings, reinforcing her commitment to serving and uplifting communities in multiple capacities.
Village of Whispering Pines: Public Service and Governance
Cheryl also served as a Councilwoman for the Village of Whispering Pines in North Carolina from 2016 to 2017. In this public service role, she contributed to policy development, budget management, and community safety initiatives. Her participation in council meetings and decision-making processes reflected a dedication to local governance and civic responsibility.
Serco: Supporting Military Transitions
Between 2015 and 2016, Cheryl worked as a Career Counselor with the Soldier For Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) under Serco at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She provided crucial support to transitioning soldiers and their families, offering job assistance, interview training, resume evaluations, and preparation for civilian careers.
This role required Cheryl to engage with military personnel, community leaders, and civic groups, fostering transparency and productive relationships while managing complex counseling programs.
Core Competencies and Professional Strengths
Cheryl Burris is recognized for her transformational leadership and strategic planning abilities. She excels in managing entire project lifecycles, even under competing priorities, without losing focus on long-term objectives. Quality and integrity are at the forefront of her work ethic, guiding her approach to continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
Her core competencies include:
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Program Governance and Continuous Improvement
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Curriculum Design and Development
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Technology Integration and E-Learning Development
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Budget Management and Vendor Assessment
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Professional Training and Development
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Stakeholder Engagement and Community Outreach
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Communications Strategy and Performance Analysis
These competencies enable her to design and lead educational initiatives that foster student success and organizational growth.
Educational Background and Professional Development
Cheryl’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and History from Fayetteville State University and two Master of Education degrees from Penn State University. Her pursuit of knowledge and skill development continues as she embarks on her PhD studies.
She is also a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), underscoring her commitment to advancing accessibility standards in education and digital learning.
Impact and Vision for the Future
Cheryl Burris’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to education, inclusion, and innovation. Her work has impacted learners, educators, and organizations on local, national, and international scales. As she advances in her doctoral studies, her focus on neurodiversity and instructional design positions her to contribute meaningful research and practical solutions for more inclusive education.
Her vision includes creating digital learning environments that are not only accessible but empowering for all students, especially those who are neurodivergent. By bridging academic research with real-world application, Cheryl aims to influence policy, curriculum development, and teaching strategies that prioritize equity and excellence.
Conclusion
Cheryl Burris is a dynamic educational leader and scholar whose extensive experience and academic pursuits equip her to make lasting contributions to the field of education. From her early roles in public service and community leadership to her recent leadership in STEM education and her doctoral research at George Mason University, Cheryl embodies the qualities of a transformational educator.
Her story is one of lifelong learning, professional excellence, and a passion for fostering environments where every learner can succeed. As she continues her journey, Cheryl Burris remains a name to watch in the evolving landscape of education and instructional design.
