Rev. Joseph Burke

Years in Office: 1925-1931

Father Joseph Burke came to St. Edward’s following lengthy service at Notre Dame and obtaining a doctorate from the Catholic University of America. Father Burke identified the need to continue to develop the institution by adding more buildings to boost enrollment and oversaw the addition of new student housing. Several plots of land were acquired and intended for sale during his tenure, however, with the arrival of the Great Depression, the land remained in possession of the university. He also heard a proposal on moving St. Edward's to Dallas and, though he warmed to the idea, this proposal did not come to pass.

Father Burke's modernization efforts changed the make up of the faculty, as more laymen joined the community during his time. This allowed classes on topics never before taught (such as Race Relations) to be added to the curriculum. The social sciences, engineering, and mathematics also saw growth thanks to the diverse and decorated faculty.

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