Introducing Dr. Jim Burkee
the 12th President of Saint Leo University
The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Jim Burkee as the 12th president of Saint Leo University. Dr. Burkee will officially join the university community on September 1.
“I felt called to Saint Leo at a distinct moment in its history—when innovation and mission are converging in bold new ways. As a historian by training and a longtime teacher of history, I’m inspired by institutions that balance courageous innovation with enduring values. That synthesis is already living at Saint Leo—in its inventive online learning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering service to underserved communities. I am honored to join with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to honor that legacy and elevate what makes Saint Leo truly exceptional.” -Dr. Jim Burkee, president
About Saint Leo University’s 12th President
Dr. Jim Burkee
Dr. Jim Burkee is a courageous, purpose-driven leader with a bold vision to reclaim Saint Leo University’s leadership position in Catholic higher education and to serve more people. He is respected by many for his collaborative leadership style and ability to bridge academia and the business world to support student success. An associate of the Catholic Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Dr. Burkee is passionate about educating the whole student in mind, body and spirit; welcoming all with radical hospitality and transforming underserved communities through education.
Dr. Burkee comes to Saint Leo University having served as the 15th president of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. There he ushered in remarkable, transformational change — tripling the university’s student enrollment, strengthening its academic offerings, forming nurturing partnerships, opening new university locations, and growing its Catholic outreach.
Prior to Avila, Dr. Burkee served as vice president for Enterprise Programs and dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies at the College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY). His accomplishments there included introducing several programs for non-traditional students, launching the college’s first online program, and building many Catholic and academic partnerships.
In total, Dr. Burkee’s career in higher education spans more than 25 years and began with faculty positions at Concordia College (NY) and Concordia University Wisconsin, his alma mater.
A first-generation college student, Dr. Burkee grew up in a working-class Wisconsin family and earned his college degree studying business and history at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin. He received a fellowship at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. There, he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees.
He is also the author of numerous articles on the topics of history, politics, Christianity, and student success. In 2011, he published the book, Power, Politics, and the Missouri Synod: A Conflict that Changed American Christianity.
“Dr. Jim Burkee's unique background and past accomplishments made him the absolute best candidate to ensure Saint Leo’s future prosperity and to deliver upon its Catholic Benedictine mission in new and innovative ways. We are excited about what the future holds for Florida’s first and oldest Catholic university.”
Noel Boeke, chair of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees
Contact
Office of the President:
PresidentsOffice@saintleo.edu