Burns Named Clarke VP for Academic Affairs

Dr. Susan Burns has been named vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the faculty at Clarke University.Burns will assume the position on June 1.  She will succeed Dr.  Joan Lingen, BVM, who will retire in May after serving in a variety of roles at Clarke for 47 years, including the last 10 as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.Burns comes to Clarke from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where she currently serves as associate dean for Academic Affairs, a position she has held since 2010. Her duties in that position include serving as campus-wide grants coordinator, overseeing the office of the registrar, management of adjunct faculty, and scheduling of courses, among many others.  She also served as the interim chair of the biology and chemistry department during the 2011-12 academic year.She has a master’s of science in experimental psychology from Emporia State University and a Ph.D. in social-personality psychology with an emphasis on child development from Kansas State University.At Morningside, Burns taught psychology and statistics and holds the rank of full professor. In addition, she has extensive research experience, overseeing supervision of research in psychology at Morningside since 2000.“Clarke University is fortunate to have enjoyed strong academic leadership in the past decade,” said Clarke President Sister Joanne Burrows, SC.  “Our tradition of academic excellence is sure to continue with Dr. Susan Burns as Clarke’s new vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. Burns brings to us stellar academic credentials as a teacher, scholar and academic administrator. We look forward to her energy and vision as we continue to move Clarke forward in innovative and effective ways.”For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.Clarke University is a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to preparing students who positively impact their workplace, family and community. Academic offerings include more than 40 undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional programs, a robust adult degree program and six graduate degree programs. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke is located near the Mississippi River in the thriving city of Dubuque, Iowa. It is the only BVM university in the country.