Trustee

Leslie Davis Burns participated in 4-H in her home state of Montana, and her 4-H involvement was instrumental in her career choice. She started sewing when she was 9 years old and by high school she was designing clothing patterns and tailoring suits. Her love of apparel design and fashion continued into college, first at Montana State University and then at Washington State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design. She then went on to graduate school at Purdue University, receiving a Ph.D. in Consumer Sciences and Retailing. Upon graduation she pursued a career in higher education, culminating in being a Professor of Apparel Design and Merchandising Management at Oregon State University. She has authored or co-authored 10 books, 30-plus business case studies, and over 70 articles in research journals and monographs. During her career she was recognized with numerous academic and leadership awards at Oregon State as well as those given by the International Textile and Apparel Association including Distinguished Scholar Award, Educator of the Year Award, and Fellow recognition. Upon “retiring” from Oregon State in 2015 she founded and led a company that created educational resources focusing on responsible global fashion. She fully retired in 2024.