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Burris Law founder and owner Kelly Burris has been elected Vice Chair of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees following a unanimous vote at the board’s Feb. 12 meeting.
“As an alum, Vice Chair Burris understands firsthand the transformative power of this University, and that perspective clearly shapes her approach to board service,” said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. “Drawing on the discipline and leadership she has developed as a business owner, certified pilot and former championship Bronco student-athlete, she brings focus, dedication and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening outcomes for our students and communities.”
Kelly was first appointed to the Board by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 and was reappointed in 2024 to an eight-year term. She joins Trustee Alan Turfe, elected chair, as part of WMU’s new board leadership team.
“I love Western Michigan University. It is an honor to take on this role at a time when higher education is both challenged and full of opportunity,” said Kelly Burris (WMU, B.S., 1988). “I look forward to continuing this work with my fellow trustees, President Kavalhuna, and the campus community to ensure we are strong stewards of Western and that our decisions as a board continue to expand opportunity and success for our Broncos.”
A proud alumna, Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from WMU before building a career at the intersection of engineering and intellectual property law. She later earned a master’s degree in materials science and engineering from Washington University and a law degree from Saint Louis University.
Kelly founded Burris Law, PLLC in 2016. This year, the Detroit-headquartered firm celebrates its 10-year anniversary after growing from a boutique startup into globally recognized IP counsel serving more than 600 clients worldwide. Over the past decade, Burris Law has filed thousands of patent applications worldwide and secured more than 2,000 U.S. patents.
With more than 25 years of legal experience, Kelly represents clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Prior to practicing law, she spent more than 11 years as an aerospace engineer with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.
A licensed pilot since 1985, Kelly flies her own Daher TBM 940 – her “secret business weapon” – using a distinctive fly-to client service model that prioritizes seeing inventions firsthand and deeply understanding the technology and businesses behind them. She also volunteers with Angel Flight Central and Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, nonprofit organizations that provide free air transportation to medical patients in need.
Outgoing Board Chair Shelly Edgerton said she is excited for Kelly to step into the vice chair role, noting that it offers meaningful new opportunities for engagement and connection across the university community.
“Although Trustee Burris has already served the board with distinction, the vice chair role brings new opportunities for engagement,” Edgerton said. “I found that working more directly with our shared governance partners – the Faculty Senate and student leadership – was especially insightful, and I’m excited for her to experience that same connection as she steps into this role.”