It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Dr. Barbara Burch, former dean of Fresno State’s School of Education and Human Development and provost emeritus of Western Kentucky University (WKU). Burch died at the age of 81 early in the morning on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Burch was always driven toward education. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from WKU and later attended Indiana University where she received her master’s degree and a doctorate in education.

In 1989, Fresno State was fortunate to have Burch begin her service as dean of the School of Education and Human Development. Interim Dean Laura Alamillo never met Dr. Burch but heard many positive reactions about her time in Kremen and was particularly impressed that Dr. Burch was the first woman dean in Kremen. Alamillo referred to her as a “trailblazer.”

Visit the Kremen School of Education and Human Development blog to read more.