Columns:: Campus Closeup

since 12/15/98

Columns::September 15, 2003

$6.7 million grant will support research that could eventually treat some cancers and Parkinson’s disease
U. of Tennessee administrator will head Georgia Center
Former administrative information systems director is named interim CIO
Rising numbers: Freshman class is more racially, ethnically diverse
South (Georgia) campus
Study by UGA scientists reveals that laboratory rats ‘under the influence’ find it hard to concentrate
Study: Property values increase near greenspaces
Administrative Changes
Newsmakers
Forum essay: On revising student papers
Rolling out the welcome mat

Campus News

Campus Closeup

MYRON BURNEY
Assistant Director
Office of Undergraduate Admissions

JOB DESCRIPTION: “I’m the university’s admissions recruiter for most of the southern United States. I also coordinate all staff and faculty participation for our campus events such as scholar visitation days, Georgia Preview days and the Certificate of

Before coming to work at UGA two years ago, Myron Burney was an admissions counselor at Morehouse College, his alma mater. (Photo by Peter Frey)

Merit program.”

A TYPICAL DAY: “I start my day by responding to e-mails from high school guidance counselors and prospective students. Later in the day, I will share some portion of duty--what we call primary duty--as the main counselor answering admissions queries on the phone. Because this duty is shared among others in the office, I’m either on the phones, or I’m leading one of the information sessions for prospective students who visit campus.
“Because I also work on special events, I’ll spend the latter part of the day contacting faculty and staff to make sure they will be all present at our student recruitment events. We have about 15 programs a year.
“Having been recently elected as president of the Black Faculty and Staff Organization, I now devote the end of my day handling the important business of the organization.”

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: “Although this is my second year at UGA, it is my sixth year in admissions. After graduating from Morehouse College in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in English, I went to work at Morehouse as an admissions counselor.”

MOST REWARDING PART OF MY JOB: “Seeing students who have expressed an interest in UGA arrive to start classes and knowing that I played a role in the process.”

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF MY JOB: “Meeting all the needs and expectations of our constituents on all levels. Trying to find that right fit to make sure we have a good representation of all areas of diversity. That is part of my job that I take to heart.”

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS JOB: “I’d be on the radio somewhere--probably as a radio personality.”

OFF-THE-JOB INTERESTS: “That’s my personal time--visiting family and coordinating special events.
“I do event planning with my entertainment company that I started in 1998. For example, I do the homecoming and other alumni events for my alma mater and Spelman College. I work with a team that puts on “First Fridays Atlanta,” a professional business networking party that is held monthly. I also coordinate social events at various minority conferences throughout the country, as well as fund-raising events for non-profit organizations in the community.”

FAVORITE MUSIC: “I like rhythm and blues. Luther Vandross is my favorite artist. I just think he has a pleasant sound. For me, it’s peaceful, and he always has a strong message. He’s a great singer with the strongest vocal skills I’ve ever heard.”

A BOOK I’D RECOMMEND TO OTHERS: Lisa Delpit’s Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom. I’m a firm believer that the kids are the most important aspect of any community. This book teaches you how to interact with kids, especially ones from underprivileged backgrounds.”

THE PEOPLE I MOST ADMIRE: “My parents, Joseph and Albenny Burney.
“They are the best examples of what I would consider to be role models. They’ve always been in my corner and they have been together for well over 30 years.”

THE ISSUE THAT CONCERNS ME MOST ABOUT TODAY’S WORLD: “Living in what I call the ‘microwave era.’ People want everything fast and don’t appreciate the work that’s required to put in to get what you want.”

--Terrence Nowlin

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