Shirley Bufford holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Organizational Management. Her educational background includes numerous professional development programs such as computer certifications, train the trainer certificates, and various continuing education topics in capacity building related issues.

Shirley currently coordinates the daily programming activities within the Governmental Affairs department at UWM's School of Continuing Education. She is responsible for planning, development, and marketing of the new and existing public administration and nonprofit management workshops for both the public and customized contract trainings for the department.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her years of working in the nonprofit sector within several local nonprofit agencies. She has worked in various capacities as an Employment Recruiter, Workshop Facilitator, Admissions & Training Specialist and Instructor. Her background includes program and curriculum development, as well as overall project implementation.

She currently serves on several committees and subcommittees throughout the UWM campus and community at large.