Jennifer Burris

• Ph.D., M.S., Physics, Colorado State University
• B.S., Applied Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

As provost and vice president for academic affairs, Jennifer Burris oversees a broad portfolio, including six colleges, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Student Affairs, University Libraries, Student Success (BEAR Central), Institutional Research and Assessment, Registrar’s Office, International Education and various centers. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes shared governance, collaboration and empowering students, staff and faculty.

Burris is a dedicated and accomplished academic leader, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles in academic leadership at Appalachian State University. She has a background in grants and research, currently leading the federal grants initiative on campus and previously serving as the principal investigator on multiple grants, including a $1 million NSF:ADVANCE grant focused on increasing the representation of women in STEM through an intersectional lens.

Burris's advocacy for equity and inclusion is evident in her service on the board of the North Carolina BRIDGES Academic Leadership Program and the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education Women’s Network. She was honored with the 2020 Optical Society's Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy Recognition for her significant contributions in the field. In addition, she was the recipient of the North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.

In addition to her administrative role, Burris is a tenured professor of physics at Lenoir-Rhyne.