Sarah A. Burcher, PhD, MBA, CFLE-P
Sarah A. Burcher, PhD, MBA, CFLE-P (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the General Studies Department in the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama. Dr. Burcher earned a PhD in Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from Lipscomb University, and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Burcher’s research focuses on economic justice by exploring the intersection of family, work, and finance, with a strong emphasis on the family system and the working poor.
Dr. Burcher’s teaching philosophy centers on a collaborative learning environment to create an open space for ideas. She strongly believes in the power of questioning and self-empowerment—both of which can be fostered in a student-focused learning environment. By intentionally incorporating diverse perspectives from a family systems lens, Dr. Burcher encourages students to consider various viewpoints about complicated and sensitive topics. Her teaching specializations focus on social class inequality, work-family issues, economic justice, financial education, family resource management, and ecological systems.
Dr. Burcher began her career working in the nonprofit sector, including being manager at a homeless shelter, the director at a lodging facility for cancer patients, a volunteer recruiter, and fundraiser. She also taught financial education and job readiness for many years in the community. She is committed to promoting economic wellbeing and equity in education across populations.
Curriculum Vitae
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Dr. Burcher’s teaching philosophy centers on a collaborative learning environment to create an open space for ideas. She strongly believes in the power of questioning and self-empowerment—both of which can be fostered in a student-focused learning environment. By intentionally incorporating diverse perspectives from a family systems lens, Dr. Burcher encourages students to consider various viewpoints about complicated and sensitive topics. Her teaching specializations focus on social class inequality, work-family issues, economic justice, financial education, family resource management, and ecological systems.
Dr. Burcher began her career working in the nonprofit sector, including being manager at a homeless shelter, the director at a lodging facility for cancer patients, a volunteer recruiter, and fundraiser. She also taught financial education and job readiness for many years in the community. She is committed to promoting economic wellbeing and equity in education across populations.
Curriculum Vitae