Following an extensive nationwide search, Belmont University has announced that Dr. Jeffery Burgin, current vice president for student affairs at Alabama A&M University, is being named associate provost and dean of students, effective Dec 1.
In his new position at Belmont, Burgin will serve as the chief student affairs officer for the university, exercising broad oversight of the university’s student affairs programs and operations. He will be responsible for fostering the building of community among students and between student groups while empowering the staff and students in the ‘division of student affairs’ to be effective educators and leaders for student success.
Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said: “Dr. Burgin is a student-centered leader with a history of fostering a positive, engaging, supportive student environment on the campuses he has served. We are extremely excited to welcome such a successful leader to the Belmont community.
“I am deeply indebted to Alabama A&M University for the opportunities provided to me and my family. I am ecstatic about new opportunities at Belmont University and working with Dr. Burns. The warmth from students, faculty, staff and administration I felt during my visit was a selling point for me. I look forward to many collaborative efforts as we assist in the academic and social development of our students. I would also like to commend Dr. Becky Spurlock and the student affairs staff for the excellent work they have done during this transitional period. I know there will be many future successes.”
Dr. Burgin graduated with a B.A. in African American Studies/Pre-Law from the University of Cincinnati, followed by an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Ohio University and an Ed.D. in ‘higher education administration’ from the University of Alabama. Burgin has been part of the student affairs division at Alabama A&M since 2007 and holds faculty rank at the institution.
As vice president for student affairs at Alabama A&M, Burgin is responsible for enrollment management/admissions, financial aid, registrar, campus police, student conduct, residence life, student organizations and activities, intramural sports and recreation and counseling/health services, among other areas. Among his most recent accomplishments at Alabama A&M, Dr. Burgin assisted in developing new mental health policies; established a new code of conduct and transformed the Residential Life department into a more student-centered program; collaborated with the University’s Physical Facilities department on the completion of a $15 million, 74,000 square foot Health and Wellness Center; and secured the second largest athletic game guarantee contract in school history. He has held prior positions at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Washington & Jefferson College (Penn.), Florida State University and Ohio University. Dr. Burgin, along with his wife Camille, son Caleb and cocker spaniel Eboni, will be moving to Nashville this fall with his projected start date on campus set for Dec. 1. His daughter Celeste is a first year student at Jackson State University majoring in chemistry.
