Pat Burnett, Ph.D., director of the Office of Student Affairs, has earned the respect of colleagues inside and outside of the college.

“Pat has more than 20 years of expertise in directing student affairs, overseeing a multitude of daily operations, which include student assistance of numerous kinds, record keeping and dispensing scholarships,” says Sharon Zimmerman, director of alumni affairs. “She keeps her office on the cutting edge of technology and support capability.”

“Her office also distributes more than $12 million of financial assistance each year.”

Burnett brings to the table expertise in her field as well as the perspective of a graduate of Ohio University. She received a Ph.D. degree in communications from the university in 1991. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Boston University. Burnett’s work at OU-COM began in 1982 when she took a position as financial aid coordinator. Ever since then she has worked hard to expand the services offered to medical students.

Burnett describes her job as “supporting the students.”

“In a nutshell, we make sure the support services are in place for the students so they can focus on their classroom education and clinical training,” she says. “We try to make sure they have as few distractions as possible.”

The Office of Student Affairs also assists in registration, student government, learning skills, multicultural programming and tutoring services, among other services provided.

The success of student affairs — for a period renamed student services — is reflected over the years in the results of the student affairs survey, which asks students to evaluate the support they have received from the office.

“The results of the survey are always outstanding,” says Zimmerman. “It’s proof of the excellent job done by her office.”

Burnett is a team player, working collaboratively with other areas of the college. She serves as a student advocate to ensure that needs and concerns of students are addressed appropriately, making sure the college is a proactive and supportive environment, especially in difficult times.

“And as a colleague,” says Zimmerman, “she is always willing to assist in a time of need and offer suggestions that are reflective of the high road.”

But for Burnett, it’s all in a day’s work.

Over the years Burnett and Ann Brieck, associate director of student affairs, have made numerous presentations across the county to medical schools and professional organizations about financial aid and student support. Burnett is a member of the Accreditation Team for the American Osteopathic Association and, as such, frequently visits other osteopathic medical schools during the reaccreditation process.

Since the beginning of the school year, Burnett and Brieck, both respected in their professional community, have made almost a dozen professional presentations across the country for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, universities and financial aid associations. They have also advised osteopathic schools and the American Dental Education Association. 

“I’m involved in a line of work that makes me feel good about myself,” Burnett says. “By supporting the students, I’m contributing to society. Through the work of our graduates, the health-care needs of people of every class and station across in society are addressed.”

She loves her work at the college and the place where the college sits.

“Athens is aesthetically beautiful,” she says. “It’s a jewel in the hills. And the university is an exciting educational environment. I’m learning new things all the time.”

Still, the college has been fortunate that during her trips away, another college or university hasn’t managed to steal her away. But she seems content to be in Athens — whether she’s plugging away in her office or watching the grass grow on her spread.

“I like to spend time away from here in the middle of my 24 acres and hearing no one speak except for voices on the radio or television,” says Burnett. “I like spending time with my dogs and horses.”

For now that seems to make her happy.