University News

Anne Burton Named General Counsel

April 8, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University is pleased to name Anne M. Burton as the new General Counsel, effective April 1, following a national search.

"Anne's legal background, experiences and interest in the mission of higher education will position her well in her role as university attorney. We welcome Anne to the WIU team," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said.

Burton brings a wealth of experience to WIU, previously serving as an attorney with Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin in Chicago for several years. After relocating to Macomb, IL, she ran a successful private practice, Burton Law Office, LLC, for over 20 years. Additionally, she has served as a certified mediator since 2018.

Burton will support the University by providing advice and counsel in all practice areas, including statutory and regulatory compliance, contracts, policy, investigative matters and oversight of outside counsel. Her depth of experience in both litigation and transactional law make her a great fit for WIU.

"I am excited to join Western Illinois University," Burton said. "I am grateful to President Mindrup, the senior leadership team, the search committee, and the BOT for placing their trust in me. I look forward to working with all members of the University community to build on the many strengths of WIU," Burton said.

Burton holds a Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington and a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in sociology from Smith College. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and is admitted to practice in multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 7th, 1st, and 11th Circuits and several federal district courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Central and Northern Districts of Illinois.

To learn more about WIU's General Counsel office, visit wiu.edu/general_counsel.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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