ST. LEO, FL – The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees announced today (August 5) that it has elected Dr. Jim Burkee as the 12th president of the university, following the retirement of Dr. Edward Dadez in February.
Burkee is the current president at Avila University in Kansas City, MO, and brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education to Saint Leo University. During Burkee’s three years as president at Avila, he tripled the university’s student enrollment, strengthened its academic offerings through partnerships, raised more than $34 million in philanthropic support, and grew its Catholic partnerships and outreach.
Prior to Avila University, Burkee held leadership positions with the College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY) and Concordia College New York. His career in higher education began as a professor of history at Concordia College New York and Concordia University Wisconsin.
Burkee holds doctoral and master’s degrees from Northwestern University (IL) and two bachelor’s degrees from Concordia University (WI). He is a first-generation college student who grew up in a working-class family in Wisconsin.
“Dr. Jim Burkee’s unique background and past accomplishments made him the absolute best candidate to ensure Saint Leo’s future prosperity and to deliver upon its Catholic Benedictine mission in new and innovative ways,” said Noel Boeke, chair of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees. “We are excited about what the future holds for Florida’s first and oldest Catholic university.”
Saint Leo University enlisted the help of AGB Search, specializing in higher education leadership placements, in finding its next president. More than 300 candidates from across the nation applied. Finalists were interviewed by a university search committee, faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Burkee will officially begin on September 1. His presidency will focus on growing the university’s Catholic Benedictine mission by increasing new student enrollment and retention, growing philanthropic support, and working with community and industry partners to strengthen the university’s academic programs.
“I felt called to Saint Leo at a distinct moment in its history — when innovation and mission are converging in bold new ways,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “As a historian by training and a longtime teacher of history, I’m inspired by institutions that balance courageous innovation with enduring values. That synthesis is already living at Saint Leo — in its inventive online learning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering service to underserved communities. I am honored to join with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to honor that legacy and elevate what makes Saint Leo truly exceptional.”
About Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a Catholic Benedictine university dedicated to helping learners of all backgrounds and ages gain the competence and courage to be more. Offering more than 55 degree programs to more than 13,000 students each year, the nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and several online programs. The university is home to more than 106,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.