Shirley Burks, MA

Shirley J. Burks holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in organizational management. Her educational background includes numerous professional development programs such as: Project Management, Essentials of Management Development Certificate, Faculty College (UWM), Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification, Train the Trainer Certificate and various continuing education topics related to capacity building issues.

Burks currently serves as the unit leader of the Community and Professional Development Unit within UWM’s School of Continuing Education. The unit is comprised of four departments and nearly 20 staff members. Burks directs the programming activities within the Governmental Affairs department in addition to leading several workshops on organizational development, change management, stress and time management, multi-generational workplace, and critical thinking skills development. She is responsible for the planning, development and marketing of new and existing public administration and nonprofit management workshops for both the public and customized contract trainings within the department.

Burks has extensive knowledge and more than 20 years experience working in the nonprofit sector. She has worked in various capacities as a director, employment recruiter, workshop facilitator, admissions and training specialist, and instructor. Her background includes program and curriculum development, as well as overall project implementation and evaluation.

Burks’ training experience spans various educational levels from primary school through adult continuing education. Burks has presented trainings for numerous organizations locally and internationally including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Solutions Inc. (Cairo, Egypt), The Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Employee Solutions Inc., YMCA Community Learning Centers, Milwaukee Business Technical College, Milwaukee Public School System and The New Opportunities Program (teen pregnancy services).