Purdue News
Purdue NewsDecember 12, 1997
Burns, a 30-year veteran on the Purdue staff, will assume his new responsibilities July 1, 1998. Ford announced last week that he plans to retire on June 30.
"We are very fortunate to have someone with the depth of experience and the exceptional leadership skills that Ken Burns will bring to this key position," Beering said. "I am confident that he will build on the legacy of excellence that Fred Ford will leave to the university. Because the executive vice president also serves as treasurer to the Purdue Board of Trustees, I have consulted with its members in depth about this appointment and they have indicated their unanimous support."
J. Timothy McGinley, chairman of the board, stated: "Purdue's executive vice president and treasurer holds a key position with highly complex responsibilities. Through his long experience at Purdue, Ken Burns has developed outstanding judgment and an excellent understanding of the Purdue financial system, both of which the trustees consider essential in this position. I am especially pleased that we are announcing the appointment well in advance of Dr. Ford's departure, so that a smooth transition of leadership can take place."
As executive vice president and treasurer, Burns will be the chief financial officer of the university and treasurer of the board of trustees. He will head the group that manages securities, funds and trust funds belonging to the university. He also will be responsible to the president for all business and financial affairs, including the preparation and control of budgets, contracts, grants and purchasing, as well as internal audits, investments, personnel functions, management information, housing and food services, construction, and operation of facilities.
"It is an honor to be asked to succeed a person of Fred Ford's stature," Burns said. "The job will be an enormous challenge, but I am excited about the opportunity. I have been fortunate enough to learn from some of the finest university administrators in the country, and I hope I can continue to grow in this role."
As vice president for business services and assistant treasurer since 1993, Burns worked directly with Ford. His responsibilities have included budgeting and fiscal planning, and oversight of the business administrators, contract and grant business affairs, personnel services, the Intercollegiate athletic business office, and purchases and service enterprises.
Burns also serves on the universitywide steering committee for Excellence 21-- a program that promotes the ideals and practices of continuous improvement. Burns says that continuing the momentum for total quality initiatives is key to meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
"Purdue is one of a handful of universities widely recognized for both the outstanding achievements of its faculty and students and the accomplishments of its support staff," Burns stated. "Our administrative, financial and support services are efficient and well-managed; yet we know that efforts to improve them must be continued. I expect the Excellence 21 program to be one of the tools that move us forward in the years ahead."
Ford said he is thrilled that the university selected Burns as his successor.
"Ken is an excellent leader with a unique ability to work with people," Ford said. "He is as well-prepared for this job as anyone could be, and he will do it in an outstanding fashion."
Burns began his career in 1967 as purchasing manager at the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne campus. He came to the West Lafayette campus in 1973 as director of purchases and service enterprises.
In 1981, he became vice president for physical facilities with responsibility for all planning, construction, remodeling and renovation of the West Lafayette and regional campuses. Some of the construction projects completed under Burns include the Liberal Arts and Education Building; a $32 million power plant expansion; Hillenbrand Hall, a student residence; and major expansions to the Schools of Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. Burns also had oversight of building, grounds and street maintenance; utilities; telecommunications; parking facilities; environmental and occupational safety compliance; and police, ambulance and fire protection services.
Burns received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Miami University (Ohio) in 1966. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers and of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center lay advisory board. He also is a director of the Community Health Clinic, has served as director of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and is a past president of the Tippecanoe County Solid Waste Advisory Commission.
Source: Kenneth P. Burns, (765) 494-9706, e-mail, kpburns@vpbs.purdue.edu
Writer: Kate Walker, (765) 494-2073; e-mail, kate_walker@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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