Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans Names Athletic Director Emeritus Chuck Burch as Interim Vice President and Director of Athletics

Burch Returns to the Role he Held at His Alma Mater for 25 Seasons

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans has announced that Athletic Director Emeritus Chuck Burch will serve as the interim vice president of Athletics. He fills the role left vacant by Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich, who was recently named director of Athletics at the University of Akron in Ohio.

A Gardner-Webb alumnus, Burch retired from GWU in 2022 after serving 25 seasons as the vice president of Athletics. He spearheaded the Runnin’ Bulldogs move into NCAA Division I athletics in 2000, and full membership in the Big South Conference in 2008. Burch is a well-respected member of the NCAA Division I athletics community. In the past, he served as a member of the FCS Playoff Selection Committee and in a variety of roles at both the national and conference levels.

Evans noted that Burch’s experience at Gardner-Webb and in the conference will help the University navigate this season of change. “We are grateful that Chuck Burch has agreed to return as interim athletic director during this important time,” Evans asserted. “Chuck brings seasoned leadership and invaluable insight to the role. Most importantly, his enduring love for and understanding of Gardner-Webb University make him uniquely suited to guide our athletics program through this transition. His presence ensures continuity and stability as we conduct a thorough search for our next athletic director.”

Burch appreciates the opportunity to assist his alma mater and former department. “I am honored that Nate reached out and asked me to serve as the interim VP for Athletics,” he stated. “I have so many wonderful memories from my time at Gardner-Webb, both as a student-athlete and during my time here previously as the VP for Athletics. This opportunity allows me to give back to the University and offer my assistance to the athletics department in their time of need.”

Growth was a key theme during Burch’s time at Gardner-Webb, with seven varsity sports added during his tenure. Gardner-Webb student-athletes also excelled in the classroom, putting together a streak of 14 academic years of a combined departmental GPA of 3.0 or better. That academic effort produced numerous team and individual academic achievements at the conference, regional and national level.

During his charge, Gardner-Webb saw 15 teams win conference titles at the Division I level, in addition to numerous individual honors—ranging from All-America and All-Conference recognition to conference titles and national tournament berths. The University also constructed several major facilities during Burch’s tenure, including John Henry Moss Stadium and Bill Masters Field for baseball, Brinkley Family Stadium for softball, the Gardner-Webb Football Center and Spangler Stadium renovation, Greene-Harbison Soccer Stadium, tennis courts and a major renovation to Gardner-Webb’s swim facility.

Burch graduated from Independence (N.C.) High before enrolling at Gardner-Webb as a student. He played football and tennis for GWU before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social science in 1980. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky before beginning his athletics career as an assistant sports information director in 1982 at Liberty University. From there, Burch took over the lead role in sports information at Liberty, was elevated to assistant athletics director in 1984 and associate athletics director in 1988. He served as director of athletics at Liberty from 1991-1997 before returning to Boiling Springs.

Burch and his wife Franki raised their three children, Travis, Danielle and Amy, in Boiling Springs.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.