Purdue AD to Retire
Burke has served as athletic director since 1993.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe longest-tenured athletics director in the history of Purdue University is retiring. Morgan Burke, who has served in the role since 1993, intends to retire in July 2017.
Burke made his plans known to university leaders over a year ago. During his tenure, two Purdue teams won NCAA championships: women’s basketball in 1999 and women’s golf in 2010. In addition, eight student-athletes won a combined 14 individual national titles.
"For longer than any athletic director in Purdue history Morgan has contributed to Purdue’s reputation as a highly competitive program marked by integrity and fiscal soundness," said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. "Over the last 23 years he has worked to create an environment that fosters both academic and athletic success among our student-athletes."
Burke graduated from Purdue in 1973 and earned his master’s degree in 1975. "Few people are afforded the opportunity to serve their alma mater in a capacity such as I have for more than two decades, and I look forward to continue doing so as we help our student-athletes in their quest to win championships – in the classroom, in competition and in life," said Burke.
Michael Berghoff, chairman of the Purdue Board of Trustees, will lead a national search for a new athletic director. Daniels appointed the members of the search committee, including:
- Christie Sahley, associate dean in the Purdue College of Science
- Stephanie White, 1999 Purdue graduate and current head coach of the Indiana Fever
- Rod Woodson, former Boilermaker, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer, and the Oakland Raiders’ assistant defensive backs coach
- Matt Light, former Purdue football player and NFL veteran
- Christa Szalach, a junior on Purdue’s soccer team
- Nancy Cross, senior associate athletics director.
Daniels says Burke will work with the university over the next year and a half to "facilitate a successful transition."