Pioneering Corporate Leader and Dedicated HBCU Alumna Tapped to Lead Organization into New Era of Growth and Community Impact
ROCK HILL, S.C. – December 31, 2025 – The Tri County HBCU Alliance today announced the appointment of Crystal M. Burns, MBA, as its inaugural Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Burns steps into this newly created role to spearhead strategic growth, expand community outreach, and solidify the Alliance’s mission of supporting prospective Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students and alumni across Chester, Lancaster, and York counties in South Carolina.
A distinguished servant leader and corporate professional, Ms. Burns brings over 25 years of experience in technology, business systems consulting, and change management from leading institutions, including her current role as a Scrum Master and Agile Adoption Leader at Wells Fargo. Her career is characterized by successfully navigating the complex worlds of technology, process improvement, and organizational transformation, skills she will leverage to build and scale the Alliance’s operations.
“Crystal’s distinguished corporate leadership and deeply rooted passion for HBCU excellence make her the ideal choice to lead the Tri County HBCU Alliance into its next chapter,” said Christopher L. Burris, Founding President of the Alliance. “Her proven background in change management and technology will be instrumental in scaling our outreach and ensuring a lasting, positive impact on prospective students and the alumni network. We are confident her visionary leadership will define the future success of our organization.”
Ms. Burns is a proud alumna of Virginia State University (HBCU), where she graduated Cum Laude. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Finance. She also holds an MBA from South University, has studied in the Masters of Public Policy and Administration program from Northwestern University, and has completed certifications from prestigious institutions including Cornell University, Yale University, and the University of South Florida.
Her commitment to the HBCU mission extends far beyond her corporate achievements. As a student leader, she served as SGA President and countless other roles. Post Matriculation, she has served as President of award-winning local chapters of esteemed organizations including the Virginia State University Alumni Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and National Pan-Hellenic Council Inc. for the last twenty-five years, Additionally, Burns served on the Virginia State University Board of Visitors from 2003 – 2004, and has remained on the board of directors of their national alumni association since 2007 , where she served as their National Parliamentarian from 2014 – 2024. As a lifetime member of her HBCU’s national alumni association, she showcases her dedication to fostering unity and empowerment in the community.
“As an HBCU alumna myself, Crystal embodies the very spirit of our mission,” added Shameka Johnson, Founding Secretary. “Her proven success in organizational leadership, coupled with her dedication to empowering youth and strengthening the alumni network, ensures that the Alliance will not only meet its goals but exceed them, serving as a powerful force for good in the Tri-County area.”
In her new role, Burns will be responsible for executing the strategic vision of the Board, leading fundraising efforts, developing educational programs, and strengthening partnerships with alumni chapters and community stakeholders.
About the Tri County HBCU Alliance
The Tri County HBCU Alliance is an exclusively charitable corporation established on March 27, 2022, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Alliance is dedicated to informing, connecting, and inspiring prospective students and their families from Chester, Lancaster, and York counties about the legacy, opportunities, and financial resources available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
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