Barbara Burch, a former faculty member and provost emerita at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, died on January 5, 2020, at the TriStar Regional Greenview Hospital. Her death was the result of injuries received from a fall at her home. Professor Burch was 81 years old.
Professor Burch began her tenure at Western Kentucky University in 1996 as the vice president of academic affairs. She was also a professor in the educational doctorate program.
In 1997, Dr. Burch was promoted to provost at the university. She continued in that post until her retirement in 2010. After stepping down as provost, Dr. Burch served as the faculty representative to the university’s board of regents.
In 2014, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities created the Barbara Burch Award for Faculty Leadership in Civic Engagement. The Burch Award is given in recognition of exemplary faculty leadership in advancing the civic learning and engagement of undergraduate students.