Calhoun Community College Interim President Joe Burke Announces His Retirement
May 24, 2021Calhoun Community College Interim President Dr. Joe Burke announced his retirement after almost thirty-five years with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Burke has been the Interim President at Calhoun for the past three years. Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, asked Burke to serve at Calhoun in 2018. 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. 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,” said Burke.
Under Burke’s leadership, Calhoun cut the ribbon on a new nursing simulation lab on its Huntsville campus and also cut the ribbon on a new seven-million dollar automotive technology instruction center on its Decatur campus. In addition, the College announced plans for a new fifteen-million dollar residence hall for the Alabama Center for the Arts and opened a new e-sports competitive gaming studio. “We have made tremendous progress during difficult times. 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 our students, directly and indirectly, each day,” added Burke.
Wes Torain, Director of Public Relations and Digital Media said, “Dr. Burke is a good man with a humble spirit. He served Calhoun with strength and integrity for the past three years. He knows the business of teaching and learning and we will miss him.”
Prior to Calhoun, Burke served as the Vice President and Dean of Instruction for eleven years at Northeast Community College in Rainsville, Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The University of Alabama and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Jacksonville State University. He earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from The University of Alabama. Burke’s last day at Calhoun is Friday, May 28th.
