Family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Jim Burton gathered
recently inside the Tom Jackson Building to celebrate his tenure as dean of the
Jones College of Business.
Burton announced last fall that after 14 years, he would be
stepping down as head of the business college on June 30 and moving into an
emeritus position.
A capacity crowd gathered inside the Jackson Building on
Thursday, April 18, to offer words of thanks and praise for the
straight-talking leader of the nationally recognized business program.
Dr. Mike Boyle, dean of University College, noted that
Burton was among faculty leaders who mentored him when he came to the
University about what it takes to be a college dean.
“I think everybody in here knows him and knows his
communication style,” Boyle said of Burton. “You do not misunderstand Dr.
Burton. He will give it to you exactly as he thinks. He blows no smoke. It will
be raw; it will be unvarnished.
“I think a lot of the success that I have had … is directly
(a result of) his advice and I just want to publicly say thank you for all
you’ve done for me, all you’ve done for the college and all you’ve done for the
University.”
President Sidney A. McPhee praised Burton for his
“incredible leadership” in making the Jones College of Business “one of the
best, most highly regarded colleges of business in the world.”
“I can’t think of a better person to point out, who has
given significantly to this University, from an academic leadership standpoint
as dean,” McPhee said. “An individual who is known around this state in both the
nonprofit and for-profit world.”
Dr. Charles Baum, chair of the Department of Economics and
Finance, lauded Burton for leading the College of Business with integrity and
conviction while strongly supporting department chairs and faculty with the
resources they needed.
“I’ve been very grateful and reassured to know that I was
working for a good man, a man of faith and a man of high values,” Baum said.
Among those Burton thanked for supporting him was his wife
of 45-plus years, Nancy, who was in attendance along with several other family
members, as well as numerous faculty, administrators and community members he’s
worked with over the years.
Burton emphasized the role his Christian faith has played in
life, both personally and professionally.
“My faith is important to me,” he said. “I intend that my
faith should influence who I am and what I do and how I do it.”
He also thanked his family —
“To my family I owe everything.” — as well as MTSU colleagues and
friends he’s worked with during his 23 total years at MTSU — “You have quite
regularly amazed me.”
Burton gave special thanks to Dr. Barbara Haskew, who hired
him as an accounting professor and was provost when Burton was selected as
dean.
“Thank you for starting me on my now 23 years at MTSU,” he
said.
Citing a scripture used recently by his pastor, Burton said
he planned to spend the coming extra time on his hands thinking on “whatsoever
is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable or praiseworthy.”
And, drawing laughter from the crowd, noted that he could do
those things “at the lake.”
Dr. David J. Urban, executive associate dean at the School
of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University, becomes the next business dean
on July 1.
— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)
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