野狼社区 University President Martha Burger announced today that she will retire at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. After retirement, President Burger will continue to serve OCU in a new role as an active volunteer to help lead a strategic fundraising effort for the university.
The university鈥檚 18th president, Burger took the helm at OCU on July 1, 2018. During her tenure, the university was able to recapitalize its debt structure and add valuable assets to its balance sheet, providing a solid base for long-term financial sustainability. President Burger added the university鈥檚 first vice president for diversity and inclusion and set into action dynamic plans for diversity, equity and inclusion.
鈥淧resident Burger鈥檚 financial acumen, tenacity and heart have strengthened 野狼社区 University and her legacy will continue to drive success for the university for decades to come,鈥� said Paul McLaughlin, chairman of the OCU Board of Trustees.
The university will conduct a national search for its next president during the upcoming year with opportunities for all campus constituencies to participate in the process. McLaughlin said he is pleased that President Burger will continue to lead OCU through the next year.
鈥淗er thoughtful leadership will strengthen the campus response to an ever-changing and unknown landscape with the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am also pleased that President Burger will continue to serve OCU after retirement. Her willingness to continue to serve OCU and our students demonstrates her personal commitment to the university and her heart for servant leadership.鈥�
President Burger said she looks forward to a meaningful and productive year ahead and then to continuing her service to OCU in strategic fundraising.
鈥淭hank you to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who have been such an encouragement to me during my presidency,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am looking forward to building on the progress we have made and continuing to advance OCU and the chance for future Stars to have access to the remarkable educational opportunities at OCU.鈥�
