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Mike Burton is retiring as vice provost for Portland State University's (PSU) School of Extended Studies after leading eight years of expansion of the University's lifelong learning programs.

"Mike has successfully marshaled PSU resources to meet both campus and community needs by expanding credit and non-credit offerings in unique programs for the broader community," said Roy Koch, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "In particular, Mike has been a leading force in the development of online learning."

Under Burton's leadership, the PSU campus has been extended to a number of regional community college campuses providing degree completion opportunities to more students in the metropolitan region. An online service center was developed with full instructional support capabilities.  Summer session programs expanded and provide additional alternatives for student academic progress and resources to support the institution.  Burton has served as vice provost since the summer of 2003.

"This has been a fantastic time to be at Portland State," Burton said. "I am always humbled at how much the faculty, staff and students have accomplished in making this a great university, and I am pleased that I have been able to contribute towards its mission to serve the city and the metropolitan region."

Vice Provost Kevin Reynolds temporarily will assume the day-to-day operations of Extended Studies when Burton steps down June 30. Burton will continue on in a consulting role until his formal retirement on Dec. 31.

Prior to joining PSU, Burton was executive officer of Metro and served in the Oregon House of Representatives.  Upon leaving PSU, Burton will serve as president of the Oregon World War II Memorial Foundation.  The foundation's goal is to build a memorial to Oregon's efforts in achieving victory in the war.  The memorial, slated for dedication in May 2012, will be located on the grounds of the capitol in Salem.