Dr. Bambi Burgard Appointed as the Campus President of the Ottawa, Kansas Campus

10/08/2024

Ottawa, Kan. (October 8, 2024) - Ottawa University has named Dr. Bambi Burgard as the Campus President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus. Dr. Burgard will begin her service effective today.
"Following a comprehensive national search, Bambi Burgard emerged as the clear choice to lead our campus forward," said Dean of Student Life and Services Donald Anderson who chaired the search committee. "Her extensive experience, commitment to collaboration, and student-focused approach align seamlessly with the goals of Ottawa University. We are confident that her vision and leadership will inspire continued growth and success for both our students and the institution as a whole."

"I am incredibly honored to serve as campus president and to work collaboratively with our community. Together we will work to advance our mission to prepare students for vocational fulfillment and lives of service and significance," says Dr. Burgard. "Ottawa University's distinctive history and foundation of open inquiry allows us to reflect and learn from the past while envisioning and planning for the future. It has been a joy and privilege to serve as the interim campus president for the past four months, and I will continue to prioritize how we can elevate the student experience and ensure a sense of belonging for all."

Dr. Burgard joined Ottawa University in 2023 as an associate professor of counseling and the graduate counseling program director. In addition, she is a licensed psychologist and maintains a small private practice. Dr. Burgard is a member of the Kansas Psychological Association. Since joining the University she has expanded the counseling program offerings on the University's Kansas City campus, as well as teaching courses for OU Online. Most recently, she has been served as the Interim Campus President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus since June 1, 2024.

Chancellor Bill Tsutsui stated that "Even in her short time as Interim President, Dr. Burgard has impressed students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the larger Ottawa community with her warm, inclusive personality and her ability to take on tough issues directly but collaboratively. With a history of leadership at a small, liberal-arts-focused residential college and a deep appreciation for the history, mission, values, and strategic vision of Ottawa University, she brings experience, passion, and integrity to a critical leadership role."

Prior to coming to Ottawa University, Dr. Burgard served most recently as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). There she led all academic programs and functions for college of 750 student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and managed all faculty search, hiring, evaluation and promotion/tenure processes. In addition, Dr. Burgard participated in annual budget planning and oversaw an $8.2 million academic programs budget. She initiated the development of the diversity working group of faculty assembly and IDEAS Council, and served on the President's Action Council to advance the Institute's work in diversity, equity and inclusion. During Dr. Burgard's 22-year tenure at KCAI, Dr. Burgard also served in roles including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Achievement, Associate Vice President for Student Achievement, Dean of Academic Resources and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs / Student Achievement.

Dr. Burgard earned her PhD in counseling psychology at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was awarded the Hellen Kemper post-doctoral fellowship. Her graduate training included practicum experiences at Children's Mercy Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and a community mental health agency. Her APA-approved predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship were completed at University of Missouri-Kansas City's counseling center. Dr. Burgard earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University (ISU) with magna cum laude honors. She was recognized as the Robert G. Bone Scholar, which is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate at ISU; in addition, she was the recipient of the Walter M. Vernon Scholarship for Psychology and Writing.

Dr. Burgard and her family reside in Shawnee, Kansas. Her husband is a senior research associate at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and they have two college-age daughters, one of whom is a student-athlete.