Longtime leader, administrator John Burns retires from Texas Tech today
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dean John Burns, who began working at Texas Tech in 1969 as an assistant professor, retires from the university today (June 30). A reception that brought more than 150 friends, guests and agricultural industry leaders from across the city and state was held this afternoon at the university's Merket Alumni Center.
"Throughout the decades John has been a mentor, leader and friend, not only to the members of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources but also to members of the Texas Tech community at large," said noted animal science researcher Michael Galyean, who has been selected to serve as CASNR's new interim dean.
Galyean, who is a Texas Tech Horn Professor and the Thornton Distinguished Chair in Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management in Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, steps into the new post July 1.
In April Texas Tech's faculty senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring the long service and ongoing leadership of Burns. The resolution noted that Burns has served the university in multiple offices, and that his tenure has been marked by honor, loyalty and dedication to Texas Tech and its teaching and research missions.
Burns, himself a former Texas Tech provost, came out of retirement in 2007 to serve as interim dean of CASNR. In 2008, he was named dean of the college. Burns was provost of Texas Tech from 1997-2002, when he returned to classroom teaching and serve as associate vice president for undergraduate research.
A faculty member since 1969, Burns was chairman of Tech's Department of Biological Sciences (1987-1995). He then served as vice provost for academic affairs until his appointment as interim provost in 1996. Over the years, he has authored more than 60 publications, and obtained over $3 million in grants.
Burns has been involved in planning and implementing of several standout Texas Tech organizations. He is the founding director of the Texas Tech's Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program, and the Clark's Scholars Program. In addition, he spearheaded the founding of Texas Tech's Teaching Academy. Founded in 1997, the academy has almost 200 members from throughout the university that support, promote and recognize teaching excellence.
Burns has received seven outstanding teaching awards and has led a variety of university committees during his tenure at Texas Tech. In 1988, he was named an Outstanding Centennial Alumnus of the College of Arts and Sciences of New Mexico State University.
Written by Norman Martin
0630NM11
Davis College NewsCenter
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