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.
- 30 -
News for
the week of May 9 – May 14
