UNCF Honors Myra Burnett, Ph.D., with UNITE 2026 Change Agent Award

Dr. Burnett Recognized for Creating a More Innovative and Equitable Future for HBCUs

Myra Burnett, Ph.D., vice president of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Spelman College, was recently recognized by the United Negro College Fund as a recipient of the UNITE 2026 Change Agent Award. Dr. Burnett accepted the award on July 22, during UNITE 2026, UNCF's premier annual gathering dedicated to the support and institutional transformation of HBCUs.

According to UNCF, Dr. Burnett was recognized for her leadership, vision and commitment to making a meaningful impact within Black higher education. Recipients of the UNITE Change Agent Award demonstrate a dedication to advancing student success, strengthening institutions and helping shape a more innovative and equitable future for HBCUs and their communities.

From 2010 to 2022 I served individually or as a member of a UNCF Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) consulting team to advise over eight HBCUs that were responding to accreditation concerns,” said Dr. Burnett. “Most of the institutions that followed our recommendations were able to resolve the issues cited and maintain accreditation. I am deeply honored to be recognized by UNCF for this transformative work.”

Dr. Burnett has devoted more than four decades to advancing Spelman’s mission, beginning as a psychology instructor in 1985 and rising through a series of increasingly influential leadership roles, including department chair, associate provost, vice provost, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, and currently vice president for institutional effectiveness.

Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the College's academic excellence, accreditation, strategic planning, student success and institutional effectiveness. A respected psychologist, educator and national higher education leader, Dr. Burnett has also represented Spelman on regional and national advisory boards, contributed to scholarship on STEM education and institutional effectiveness and earned numerous honors, including Spelman College's 2026 Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the institution and generations of students.

Dr. Burnett earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and social relations from Harvard University. She received a master’s degree in social psychology from Stanford University and underwent clinical training at Emory University School of Medicine before receiving her doctorate from Duke University.