John S. “Jack” Burd, Ph.D.
In 1985, Dr. John S. Burd donned the mantle of president of what was then known as Brenau College. His vision of private liberal arts higher education, his dedication, hard work, personal sacrifice and love of the arts transformed the school into a nationally recognized university and enhanced the “town and gown” relationship of Brenau to the surrounding North Georgia community, improving the lives of thousands of children and adults of all ages.
Under John Burd’s leadership, the arts assumed center stage at Brenau. The Permanent Art Collection, now one of the fastest growing collections of any college in the United States, boasts more than 3,500 pieces with such names as Marisol, Renoir, Cezanne, Anna Klumpke, Calder, Sue Coe, and Lichtenstein.
The performing arts flourish under Burd’s direction. He negotiated one of the first-ever collaborations in higher education between a public institution, Gainesville College, and a private institution, Brenau. The merger, called the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, has brought accolades and honors, regionally and nationally, to all involved. Brenau’s Chamber Choir and Dance Ensemble perform each semester for audiences in one of two performing venues: historic Pearce Auditorium and the Hosch Theatre.
Thousands of returning adult students found an opportunity to advance their education and their career potential at Brenau when, in 1986, John Burd created the state’s very first weekend college. This educational model is now emulated by just about every college and university in Georgia.
During Burd’s tenure the campus, located in downtown Gainesville, Georgia, enlarged to include a new library, a new business and communication arts building, performing arts center, fitness center, tennis center, several student houses and apartment buildings. There was extensive renovation of buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places – upgrading 19th century buildings for modern use.
Burd molded a unique institution which included the Women’s College, the Evening and Weekend College, the Online College and Brenau Academy. This multifaceted institution flourished academically, by student enrollment, by improved facilities and economically.
Burd found time to lend his considerable talents for leadership and organizational planning to myriad community service groups such as Northeast Georgia Medical Center Advisory Board, First United Methodist Church, the Women’s College Coalition, the Gainesville/Hall County Chamber of Commerce, Crawford W. Long Museum, Gainesville Symphony and the Georgia Association of Colleges.