Lion Elastomers names technology center after Alcorn alumnus Dr. Willie Burton

Lion Elastomers, a premier manufacturer of elastomeric polymers, honored Alcorn State University alumnus Dr. Willie Burton of Zachary, La., by naming its analytical and R&D facility, The Willie C. Burton Technology Center, recognizing his 32-year career as a chemical research trailblazer.

The newly dedicated center, formerly the Uniroyal Chemical Company, now houses the company’s Analytical, Quality, Rubber Compounding, Research, and Development laboratories, as well as the synthetic rubber pilot plant.

The naming is a tribute to Dr. Burton’s pioneering work and long-standing commitment to the chemical industry, from which he retired in 2024. “I was fortunate to spend my career working on challenging and innovative projects, first at Dow and then at Lion Elastomers,” said Dr. Burton. “To have this technology center named in my honor is a humbling recognition that reflects not only my work but also the strong foundation I received from Alcorn State University.” Since his retirement in December 2024, Dr. Burton has continued his relationship with Lion Elastomers as a consultant.

Dr. Burton, the eldest son of Lillie Burton and the late Willie D. Burton, is a 1970 graduate of Alexander High School in Brookhaven, Miss. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Alcorn State University in 1974. Following his time at Alcorn, he earned both a master’s and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Upon graduating, Dr. Burton accepted a research position at Dow Chemical Company in Plaquemine, La., focusing on catalyst research, where he developed expertise in Ziegler-Natta catalysis for the production of high-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene plastics. After 11 years at Dow, he was recruited by Uniroyal to develop heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts for the production of synthetic rubber.

Throughout his career at Dow and Lion (Uniroyal), he was issued more than 20 United States and international patents and authored or co-authored more than 20 scientific publications.