Leslie Burns Oral History Interview

In this group interview, Leslie Burns discusses her life working in academia, and in textiles and design. She begins by describing her childhood, and the influence of 4-H on her strong interest in sewing, which led to her pursuit of a career in fashion and textiles. She recalls working at the state fair in Montana when she was a child, assisting the judges in many different competitions. Leslie then describes her extracurriculars in school and outlines her academic history, starting at Montana State University, then Washington State, Purdue University, San Diego State, Utah State University, and finally Oregon State University.

Leslie then describes her experience at Oregon State, as a professor and her involvement in issues pertaining to women’s advancement in the workplace and academia. In this, she recalls her work in creating a Difference, Power, and Discrimination course focusing on the psychology of appearance, one of her areas of study. Leslie likewise reflects on her experiences as a woman in academia, and the biases that she faced.

Leslie then recounts her experience of teaching classes in Taiwan, which made a significant impact on her outlook and understanding of the textiles industry. She continues with a discussion of her connection with the Faculty Women’s Network, and the administrative positions she held during her time at OSU. She finishes the interview by describing some of the publications she has authored and contributed to over the years, and her future projects in retirement.