Donald Burnett

Don Burnett’s career has encompassed service as interim president of the University of Idaho, dean of the U of I College of Law, judge of the Idaho Court of Appeals, president of the Idaho State Bar, U.S. Army Judge Advocate, practicing lawyer, and law professor. A native of Pocatello, Don received his education at Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Virginia. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Idaho.

Don graduated on the “Commandant’s List” of the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College. As a reserve officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Don’s assignments included service as the reserve deputy commandant and academic director of The Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He retired as a Colonel and received the U.S. Armed Forces Legion of Merit award.

As an emeritus member of the U of I faculty, Don remains active in programs of continuing legal education, judicial education, and civic education emphasizing ethics, the rule of law, and the role of an independent, impartial judiciary in America’s democratic republic. He and his wife Karen are past members of the Operation Education Advisory Board, and are continuing supporters of the OPED scholarship fund. Here is why they choose to donate to Operation Education.

"There are two reasons:

The practical reason is that my wife Karen and I believe in philanthropy that makes a difference. Operation Education is unique among veterans’ education programs because it undertakes an individualized 'whole person' approach to helping students with disabilities. The program encompasses family needs and it provides a structure of social, academic, and employment counseling. This integrated approach is more impactful than simply paying part or all of a student’s tuition bill.

The second reason is emotional. It is heartwarming to help men and women move forward in life after they have given much to their country."