2008 Woodie Awards
Robert Burns bows out
Campus fixture, dean, department head and beloved instructor set to retire after serving as faculty for 38 years at SDSU.
Julie Frank
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News
"I like variety in my professional life. I have been very fortunate that I have been able to maintain the presence in the classroom, my first love," he said, adding he also enjoys the challenges of the administrative side.
In 1999, former President Peggy Miller asked him to be the dean of the Honors College. He said to be part of the college's creation and watch it grow has been satisfying.
In his 38-year career at SDSU, Burns was named a Distinguished Professor in 1994, an award that acknowledges service and dedication to the school. He was also named South Dakota Professor of the Year in 1995 and has been the College of Arts and Science teacher of the year several times.
Burns said the awards are professionally gratifying.
"The primary award of teaching is the response of your students and the response of your peers to your teaching," he said.
Students' Association President Chris Daugaard said with Burns as an instructor, students are learning from one of the top political persons in the state. Daugaard, who had Burns for both political science and honors classes, called him a "great mentor" and said he helps students with everything, such as applying for scholarships or law school applications.
Burns has also played a role in the community on the school board and library board. He served on several state, regional and national commissions and boards.
Burns said he will miss the classroom and students the most.
"The daily contact with students helped me maintain a younger outlook on life, if not a younger body," he said.
He plans on spending more time with his nine grandchildren and other family and traveling with his wife of 44 years, Donna. He also hopes to find something part-time to occupy his "professional time."
"He is an institution," Howell said. "He is the base of the Political Science Department and the Honors College and is probably the smartest person in the world."
In 1999, former President Peggy Miller asked him to be the dean of the Honors College. He said to be part of the college's creation and watch it grow has been satisfying.
In his 38-year career at SDSU, Burns was named a Distinguished Professor in 1994, an award that acknowledges service and dedication to the school. He was also named South Dakota Professor of the Year in 1995 and has been the College of Arts and Science teacher of the year several times.
Burns said the awards are professionally gratifying.
"The primary award of teaching is the response of your students and the response of your peers to your teaching," he said.
Students' Association President Chris Daugaard said with Burns as an instructor, students are learning from one of the top political persons in the state. Daugaard, who had Burns for both political science and honors classes, called him a "great mentor" and said he helps students with everything, such as applying for scholarships or law school applications.
Burns has also played a role in the community on the school board and library board. He served on several state, regional and national commissions and boards.
Burns said he will miss the classroom and students the most.
"The daily contact with students helped me maintain a younger outlook on life, if not a younger body," he said.
He plans on spending more time with his nine grandchildren and other family and traveling with his wife of 44 years, Donna. He also hopes to find something part-time to occupy his "professional time."
"He is an institution," Howell said. "He is the base of the Political Science Department and the Honors College and is probably the smartest person in the world."
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