Interim chancellor named for The University of Texas System
R.D. (Dan) Burck, executive vice chancellor for business affairs
for The University of Texas System, was named to serve as interim
chancellor beginning June 1.
The U. T. System Board of Regents made the appointment after
deciding that the board would not be ready in the next few weeks to
name a permanent successor to Chancellor William H. Cunningham as had
been anticipated, said Donald L. Evans, board chairman.
"The members of the board have concluded that we want to
consider the permanent appointment at greater length," Evans
said. "We are very fortunate to be able to call on Dan Burck to
fulfill the responsibilities of the chancellor on an interim basis. He
has broad experience in managing the business affairs of the System,
and he has the character and values necessary for success in such a
demanding position. Dan has the full confidence of the board and will
be expected to act decisively and to exert his considerable leadership
abilities actively. The regents are grateful for his willingness to
carry out this role."
Cunningham also expressed confidence in Burck.
"I have relied closely on Dan's knowledge and advice
throughout my tenure as chancellor, and I am confident he will provide
outstanding service to the U. T. System and the people of Texas in
this position," Cunningham said. "He possesses broad
understanding of the academic and health institutions within the
System, as well as a keen appreciation for the complexity of higher
education issues in general. For the past 12 years, he has provided
highly effective leadership for the System's business affairs, which,
of course, underlie the successful operation of all the System's
academic, health and service activities."
Evans said the permanent appointment of a new chancellor may be
pushed back several months or even through next year's legislative
session. He said that naming an interim chancellor, to be effective
June 1, will provide Cunningham and Burck the time to arrange a smooth
transition, and that the decision also gives the Board of Regents an
extended period to continue its search for a permanent chancellor,
while being able to rely on experienced leadership during the
legislative session.
Burck joined the U. T. System in 1988 as vice chancellor for
business affairs and was named executive vice chancellor in 1992. His
responsibilities have included: finance; business operations, budget,
information resources; human resources; facilities planning and
construction; employee group insurance; real estate; and West Texas
operations.
He established the System's program for increasing purchases from
historically under-utilized businesses; has administered a Systemwide
cost-saving program; and has been in charge of a Systemwide compliance
program, which includes procedures and training to ensure that the
System and its 15 institutions are in compliance with all applicable
laws and regulations.
Before joining the U. T. System, Burck was president and director
of Block Watne Texas Inc., a builder of residential housing. He worked
worldwide for Getty Oil Co., headquartered in Los Angeles, for 29
years, from 1955 to 1984. After serving in numerous capacities, Burck
was placed in charge of the company's diversified operations in 1974.
Burck graduated from U. T. Austin in 1956 with a bachelor of
business administration degree. He also attended the South Texas
School of Law in Houston. | 