Dr. Joe Burke
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (May 21, 2021) – Calhoun Community College interim president Dr. Joe Burke recently announced his retirement after almost 35 years with the Alabama Community College System. Dr. Burke has been the interim president at Calhoun for the past three years.
Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker asked Dr. Burke to serve at Calhoun in 2018, and initially, it was supposed to be an assignment that would only last a few months.
“Wow, it’s hard to believe that was three years ago,” said Dr. Burke. “Time flies when you’re having fun, as they say. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve at Calhoun; I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Under Dr. Burke’s leadership, Calhoun cut the ribbon on a new Nursing Simulation Lab on the Huntsville campus and cut the ribbon on a new $7 million Automotive Technology Instruction Center on the Decatur campus. In addition, the college announced plans for a new $15 million residence hall for the Alabama Center for the Arts and opened a new e-sports competitive gaming studio. “We made tremendous progress during difficult times,” said Dr. Burke. “As you know, we were consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and part of this year as well. We made every effort to keep the college moving forward. These accomplishments over the past three years are to the credit of great faculty and staff who skillfully and compassionately serve students directly and indirectly each day.”
Wes Torain, Director of Public Relations and Digital Media said, “Dr. Burke is a good man, he has a humble spirit. He served Calhoun with strength and integrity the past three years. He knows the business of teaching and learning and we will miss him.”
Prior to Calhoun, Dr. Burke served 11 years as the Vice President and Dean of Instruction at Northeast Community College in Rainsville, Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Counseling from Jacksonville State University. He earned a Ph. D. in Counselor Education from the University of Alabama. Dr. Burke’s last day at Calhoun is Friday, May 28.