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

Jennifer Burris is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Ï㽶´«Ã½, where she leads efforts to advance student success and academic innovation across six colleges, the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Student Affairs, and a broad portfolio of student support, research and academic service divisions. Burris partners closely with deans, faculty and staff to foster an environment where collaboration and innovation empower students from all backgrounds.

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in shared governance, transparency and valuing the contributions of every individual. She is deeply committed to advancing student success across academic and non-academic spaces, while also cultivating strong external partnerships with community members and donors to strengthen the university’s mission and resources.

A dedicated and accomplished academic leader, Burris previously held numerous leadership roles at Appalachian State University, including associate dean, chair of the Council of Chairs and department chair. She also served as principal investigator on multiple grants, most notably a $1 million NSF:ADVANCE award focused on the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff.

Her commitment to education, leadership and mentoring extends beyond campus, as demonstrated through her service on the advisory board for the BRIDGES Academic Leadership Program and as an executive board member of the North Carolina ACE Network. Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized with the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, Appalachian State University’s Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award and internationally with the Optical Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy Recognition.

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