Velmer S. Burton, Jr.
Velmer S. Burton, Jr., Named New Chancellor for UMC
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks announced today that, pending approval by the Board of Regents at its June meeting, Dr. Velmer S. Burton, Jr., has accepted an offer to become the next chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC). Upon the Board's approval, Burton's appointment as UMC chancellor will begin effective June 30, 2003.
Bruininks said, “Dr. Burton combines the leadership, vision, and energy that will serve the Crookston campus well in the coming years. He also brings to the chancellor position significant experience and a record of achievement in higher education with a strong scholarly record.”
Burton holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati and recently received a second doctoral degree (Ed.D.) in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, one of the nation's leading centers of scholarship in that area.
He is currently dean of the graduate school and professor of sociology at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, N.D. During his three-year tenure at NDSU, Burton has successfully expanded student recruitment efforts at both the graduate and undergraduate level and has implemented numerous new graduate programs. Prior to his work at NDSU, he served as department head at Ferris State University, a polytechnic institution, and then as associate provost for graduate studies at Southeast Missouri State University.
Since 1986, Burton has published numerous scholarly works and has held faculty positions at Washington State University-Pullman, Sam Houston State University, and Illinois State University. He has also received awards for his teaching.
As chancellor, Burton will provide administrative and academic leadership to the Crookston campus; facilitate the efforts of the administration and the UMC faculty, students, and staff; and represent UMC to the University of Minnesota president, Board of Regents, community, region, state, legislature, governmental agencies, and other organizations including higher education institutions.
“I see this as a unique opportunity to play a role in the continued development of the University of Minnesota, Crookston in serving Northwest Minnesota and the entire state,” said Burton. “I look forward to joining the administration, faculty, staff, and students as the campus continues its evolution within the University of Minnesota system. I feel strongly that the University’s land grant mission—teaching, research, and outreach—continues to have great value and vitality in serving the citizens of the region and state.”
“I’m truly grateful to President Bob Bruininks for this opportunity, and I am eager to work with him and University Executive Vice President and Provost Christine Maziar as well and everyone at UMC to further develop initiatives that will continue to build on the strong foundation developed by Chancellor Don Sargeant. I believe UMC has a bright future, and I am eager to be a part of it.”
Posted 05/23/2003
Contact: Andrew Svec,
218-281-8435