VCU news

By Rebecca Aldridge

The VCU that Cathleen Burke joined in 1980 was a far cry from the school she is leaving in 2023.

“There were only two residence halls on the academic campus,” she recalled of that early landscape, “and most of the classes were held in the houses on Franklin Street.”

That was also an era when “personnel” remained a common umbrella term for Burke’s specialty. But in the same way Virginia Commonwealth University has expanded in Richmond (and beyond), a more expansive term – “human resources” – has come to reflect how serving employees, students, patients and the community requires strategic thinking to ensure their growth and success.

As Burke retires this year after four-plus decades – the past eight years as assistant vice president for human resources – it’s fair to say her handprints have been all over VCU’s larger footprint.

“From early roles in training and development all the way to assistant vice president, Cathleen’s focus on putting students first and creating a great place to work brought thousands and thousands of us together to make VCU the incredible, impactful institution it is today,” said Meredith Weiss, Ph.D., vice president for administration.

Starting as a training specialist, Burke filled a variety of HR positions with increasing responsibility, rising to the AVP role in 2015. She said her motivation, from beginning to end of her career, remained constant: “What drew me to VCU was its mission and the thought that maybe, just maybe, in some small way, I could make a difference.”

Mission accomplished – in more ways than one.

One of Burke’s key achievements in her AVP role was the award-winning  Great Place: HR Redesign project, which was implemented in 2018. The project focused on modernizing and aligning HR policies and programs to support the university’s mission, vision and strategic priorities, with the ultimate goal of making VCU a place of opportunity where faculty and staff are appreciated, supported and feel connected to meaningful work. Driven by how human resources management impacts stakeholders in large and small ways, Burke provided strategic direction, reallocating resources to top priorities and supporting staff and faculty in pursuing fulfilling careers. 

“VCU is truly a university unlike any other,” Burke said. “Supporting VCU’s students, patients and community is the biggest reason that all of our staff and faculty work here, and supporting them is what HR does best. Our community thrives on collaboration, innovation, diversity and inclusion – values that are near and dear to all of our hearts.”

Beyond the realm of HR, Burke and her husband, Tom – he retired this year after almost 37 years in foundation and development roles at VCU – have been generous threads in the university’s fabric. The Burkes contributed to notable efforts like the Great Place Initiative and Make It Real Campaign for VCU. They also have supported more than a dozen programs, including establishing student scholarships in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and the School of Education.

To honor Burke’s example of having an impactful career at VCU, the space currently known as the HR Training Room will be rededicated as the Great Place HR Learning and Innovation Suite. It is designed to advance the Great Place principles of how HR connects the everyday work of VCU employees to the university’s larger mission of transforming lives and communities. Burke, known among her colleagues and friends for her impeccable style and attention to detail, will help refurbish the space, including with updated presentation technology.

HR leadership remains in experienced hands: Burke has been succeeded by Alison Miller, who began as interim AVP in July after spending the past six years as VCU’s executive director for HR service delivery.

“I am immensely grateful for Cathleen’s partnership and guidance throughout the years,” Miller said. “The VCU HR team and I look forward to carrying on her commitment to making VCU a great place for our students, staff and faculty.”

“Carrying on” is the same theme Burke expresses now to the colleagues who will empower VCU’s next generation of student success, life-enhancing research and thriving communities.

“Keep VCU’s mission and vision in mind as you move forward with your work,” she said. “Working for an organization that truly puts their mission first has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and I will remain grateful and humbled by the experience I have had here at VCU.”