Contact: Monty Jones, (512) 499-4363

Date: April 14, 2000

UT System News Release

Interim Chancellor Appointed for U.T. System

AUSTIN – R.D. Burck, executive vice chancellor for business affairs for The University of Texas System, was named on Friday 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. I agree with the Board of Regents that it is advisable to name an interim chancellor at this time, and I stand ready to offer Dan and the board any assistance that I can."

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.

"I have said throughout this process that the selection of a chancellor is the single most important decision that any Board of Regents will make," Evans said. "Given this overriding importance, it does not make sense to be limited by any artificial deadline. We will proceed deliberately and cautiously, keeping in mind the best long-term interests of the U.T. System, the strong leadership in place at the component institutions of the System, its outstanding faculty, students, and staff, and its ability to continue to provide excellent educational services to all the people of Texas."

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 System-wide cost-saving program; and has been in charge of a System-wide 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 had been 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.

4-14-2000 Statement by Mr. Burck

Mr. Burck's Biography

Photo of Mr. Burck

When was the U.T. System Established?

Chancellors of The University of Texas System