Ottawa, Kan. (March 20, 2024) – Ottawa University has named Dr. Bambi Burgard as the Interim President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus following the departure of Dr. Reggies Wenyika. Dr. Burgard will begin her service on June 1, 2024.
"It is an honor and privilege to step into the role of Interim President on the Ottawa, Kansas campus,” says Dr. Burgard. “During this time of transition, I am committed to working collaboratively to advance the mission and vision of the University."
Dr. Burgard joined Ottawa University in 2023 as an associate professor of counseling and the graduate counseling program director. In addition, she is a licensed psychologist and maintains a small private practice. Dr. Burgard is a member of the Kansas Psychological Association. Since joining the University she has expanded the counseling program offerings on the University’s Kansas City campus, as well as teaching courses for OU Online.
“Dr. Burgard is a seasoned teacher and administrator with deep experience on a small, liberal-arts-focused residential campus,” said Ottawa University Chancellor Bill Tsutsui. “With a warm personality and an open, collaborative style, she will be a committed servant-leader for students, faculty, and staff as well as an engaged partner for the larger Ottawa community.”
Prior to coming to Ottawa University, Dr. Burgard served most recently as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). There she led all academic programs and functions for college of 750 student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and managed all faculty search, hiring, evaluation and promotion/tenure processes. In addition, Dr. Burgard participated in annual budget planning and oversaw an $8.2 million academic programs budget. She initiated the development of the diversity working group of faculty assembly and IDEAS Council, and served on the President’s Action Council to advance the Institute’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion. During Dr. Burgard’s 22-year tenure at KCAI, Dr. Burgard also served in roles including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Achievement, Associate Vice President for Student Achievement, Dean of Academic Resources and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs / Student Achievement.
Dr. Burgard earned her PhD in counseling psychology at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was awarded the Hellen Kemper post-doctoral fellowship. Her graduate training included practicum experiences at Children’s Mercy Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and a community mental health agency. Her APA-approved predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship were completed at University of Missouri-Kansas City’s counseling center. Dr. Burgard earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University (ISU) with magna cum laude honors. She was recognized as the Robert G. Bone Scholar, which is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate at ISU; in addition, she was the recipient of the Walter M. Vernon Scholarship for Psychology and Writing.
Dr. Burgard and her family reside in Shawnee, Kansas. Her husband is a senior research associate at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and they have two college-age daughters, one of whom is a student-athlete.
Ottawa University will launch a national search for a new President of the Ottawa, Kansas campus in late summer 2024.