Jennifer Burris

Background

About Jennifer Burris

As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University, I lead efforts to advance student success and academic innovation across six colleges, the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Student Affairs, and a broad portfolio of student support, research, and academic service divisions. I work closely with deans, faculty, and staff to foster an environment where collaboration and innovation empower students from all backgrounds. My leadership philosophy is grounded in shared governance, transparency, and valuing the contributions of every individual. I am committed to advancing student success across academic and non-academic spaces, while also cultivating strong partnerships with community members and donors to strengthen the university’s mission and resources. Previously, I held numerous leadership roles at Appalachian State University, including associate dean, chair of the Council of Chairs, and department chair. I also served as principal investigator on multiple grants, most notably a $1 million NSF:ADVANCE award focused on equity in STEM and the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff. My commitment to education, leadership, and mentoring extends beyond campus, as reflected in my service on the advisory board for the BRIDGES Academic Leadership Program and as an executive board member of the North Carolina ACE Network. My leadership and advocacy have been recognized with the University of North Carolina System's Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, Appalachian State University’s Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award, and internationally with the Optical Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy Recognition. I am also a professor of physics at Lenoir-Rhyne University. I hold a B.S. in Applied Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Colorado State University.