While chair, the U of U joined the prestigious Association of American Universities prompting Burton to remark, "We already knew that the U was one of the jewels of Utah and of the Intermountain West, this invitation shows that we are one of the jewels of the entire nation".
During his time as chair, the U of U became part of the prestigious Association of American Universities, prompting Burton to say, "We already viewed the U as a valuable asset for Utah and the Intermountain West. This membership underscores our status as one of the nation's most esteemed institutions."