Introducing Dr. Jim Burkee,
the 12th President of Saint Leo University
Dr. Jim Burkee is the 12th president of Saint Leo University. Elected by the university’s Board of Trustees in 2025, he joined the Saint Leo University community as president on September 1, 2025.
“I felt called to Saint Leo at a distinct moment in its history – when innovation and mission are converging in bold new ways. As a historian by training and a longtime teacher of history, I’m inspired by institutions that balance courageous innovation with enduring values. That synthesis is already living at Saint Leo – in its inventive online learning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering service to underserved communities. I am honored to join with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to honor that legacy and elevate what makes Saint Leo truly exceptional.” -Dr. Jim Burkee, president
President Burkee Responds to U.S. Department of Education Call to Action
Following U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's August 3, 2026, National Call to Action to University Presidents and Governing Boards, Dr. Jim Burkee has issued a response outlining Saint Leo University's approach to the principles raised in the Secretary's letter. Read the full response here.
About President Burkee
Dr. Jim Burkee is a purpose-driven leader with a bold vision to reclaim Saint Leo University’s position as a leader in Catholic higher education and expand its reach to serve more people. Under his leadership, Saint Leo is aligning its mission with modern educational needs and advancing its vision to become the leading Catholic teaching university of international consequence for the 21st century.
He is known for his collaborative style and ability to bridge academia with the business world to support student success. An associate of the Catholic Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Dr. Burkee is passionate about educating the whole student in mind, body and spirit; welcoming all with radical hospitality and transforming underserved communities through education.
Before joining Saint Leo, Burkee served as the 15th president of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, where he ushered in remarkable, transformational change – tripling the university’s student enrollment, strengthening its academic offerings, forming nurturing partnerships, opening new university locations, and growing its Catholic outreach.
Prior to Avila, Dr. Burkee served as vice president for Enterprise Programs and dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies at the College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY). His accomplishments there included introducing several programs for non-traditional students, launching the college’s first online program, and building many Catholic and academic partnerships.
In total, Dr. Burkee’s career in higher education spans more than 25 years and began with faculty positions at Concordia College (NY) and Concordia University Wisconsin, his alma mater.
A first-generation college student, Dr. Burkee grew up in a working-class Wisconsin family and earned his college degree studying business and history at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin. He received a fellowship at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. There, he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees.
He is also the author of numerous articles on the topics of history, politics, Christianity, and student success. In 2011, he published the book, Power, Politics, and the Missouri Synod: A Conflict that Changed American Christianity.
“Dr. Jim Burkee's unique background and past accomplishments made him the absolute best candidate to ensure Saint Leo’s future prosperity and to deliver upon its Catholic Benedictine mission in new and innovative ways. We are excited about what the future holds for Florida’s first and oldest Catholic university.”
Noel Boeke, chair of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees
Contact
Office of the President:
PresidentsOffice@saintleo.edu