Rate My Professor John Burchfield

John M. Burchfield serves as Associate Dean of University College at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), a key administrative role focused on enhancing student success for diverse learners, including non-traditional students, adult learners, and those pursuing integrated studies. Holding an M.B.A., Burchfield earned his graduate degree from Delta State University between 1999 and 2001, complementing his undergraduate studies there. His career at MTSU includes prior service as Director of Finance and Management for University College, as documented in institutional records from 2021. In this capacity, he contributes to the leadership team alongside Dean Rick Sluder and Assistant Dean Peggy Carpenter, overseeing operations in the Miller Education Center.

University College under Burchfield's involvement supports critical programs such as the Adult Degree Completion Program, Dual Enrollment, Experiential Learning, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), and University Summer/Winter Sessions. He has been prominently involved in innovative initiatives like the Public Safety Concentration, a bachelor's degree pathway designed for working professionals in law enforcement, first responders, public safety, and service roles at local, state, and federal levels. This program incorporates up to 48 PLA credits for prior work experience, training, and certifications, featuring courses in management, sociology, communications, health, organizational crisis communications, workplace diversity, ethical leadership, and leadership development. MTSU formalized a partnership with the Metro Nashville Police Department to facilitate officers' degree completion through this concentration, with Burchfield discussing its benefits on WKRN News Local on 2 alongside Metro Nashville Assistant Police Chief Dwayne Greene in June 2023. Additionally, Burchfield facilitated collaboration with Graduation Alliance starting in Fall 2022 to conduct multi-channel outreach for returning students unresponsive to advisors, targeting those missing priority enrollment. He noted that this partnership addresses unreachable students after multiple contact attempts. Burchfield also supports specialized trainings, such as the Investigating Unexpected Child Death program materials distributed through University College. As an instructor in the College Success department, he teaches courses like those in Professional Studies (PRST), aiding student persistence and transition.