NASHVILLE – Trevecca Nazarene University President Dan Boone has selected Dr. Jon Burch as the university's 14th director of athletics. Burch will assume the role July 1, 2027, following the 2026-27 academic year.

 

Burch succeeds Mark Elliott, who continues to lead the department through his 16th and final season. The transition gives Dr. Burch a full academic year to work alongside Elliott to further develop his vision for the department.

Mark Elliott Retirement Tennessean Story
Mark Elliott Retirement tnutrojans.com

 

"Jon has loved Trevecca Athletics from the time he was a student to where he is today, as the faculty athletics representative and a parent of one of our students," President Dr. Dan Boone said. "His selection resolves any concern about finding someone who's a good fit for Trevecca."

When asked about assuming the role of athletic director, Burch said: "Trevecca athletics has a strong foundation. Mark Elliott has intentionally anchored the department in the Christian-Scholar-Athlete philosophy. That philosophy excites me, and I fully embrace it. I appreciate Dr. Boone's trust in me with this new opportunity. The quality of our coaches, staff, and leadership team already points to great days ahead for our student-athletes and everyone in the TNU and Nashville communities who loves Trojan athletics."

Elliott endorsed Burch's selection, pointing to his experience at Trevecca and the respect he has earned from the coaching staff. "I am incredibly grateful that Jon has agreed to serve as our next athletics director," Elliott said. "As a dedicated, long-term member of our university community, a professor of management and leadership, and our faculty athletics representative, he already commands deep respect from our coaching staff."

 

Elliott concluded, "While Jon maintains our core Christian-Scholar-Athlete philosophy, he will undoubtedly enrich our programs with his own unique leadership style and a refreshed vision for the future."

 

A TREVECCA BACKGROUND

Burch played basketball at Trevecca for Trojan Hall of Fame coach Frank Wilson. Following Wilson leaving, Burch left to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he returned to Trevecca to complete his education, earning a bachelor's degree in 1997, a master's degree in 1999 and a doctorate in education in 2003.

Burch has been teaching management and leadership at Trevecca for 26 years at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels in the Skinner School of Business. During part of his time at Trevecca he served as the Director of the graduate management programs. His professional experience beyond Trevecca includes ministry, corporate work, and various consulting roles in leadership and organizational effectiveness.

As the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, Burch presently works with Elliott, the athletics leadership staff and the coaches to support the student-athletes in the classroom. Trevecca posted a 94% Academic Success Rate in the NCAA's 2025 report, ranking No. 12 among 311 Division II institutions.

Burch delivered the keynote address at both of Trevecca's 2024 commencement ceremonies. He has authored two books: "So, You Want to Be a Leader... Let the Journey Begin" and "The Gym Rat's Guide to Championship Living."

Prior to attending Trevecca, Burch attended McGavock High School where he played athletics, including basketball, for the Raiders.

Burch and his wife, Mindy, have three children and live in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

THE NEXT SEASON FOR TREVECCA ATHLETICS

Burch takes the reins in 2027-28 as Trevecca enters its 60th season of intercollegiate athletics. The Purple and White also begin their fourth season in the Gulf South Conference and their 16th season in the NCAA Division II era.

Trevecca began intercollegiate athletics with one team, men's basketball, in 1968-69. Elmer Heaberlin served as the university's first director of athletics and the program's first coach.

Trevecca's NCAA Division II era began in 2012-13, and the university earned full membership in 2014. Under Elliott, the Trojans helped establish the Great Midwest Athletic Conference before joining the Gulf South Conference in 2024.

A formal press conference and introduction are planned for later in 2027 as Burch assumes full leadership of Trevecca athletics.

TREVECCA ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
Elmer Heaberlin	1967-1968
Bill Boner	1968-70
Chet Foraker	1970-72
Richard Haynes	1972-74
Elmore Vail	1974-78
Bill Green	1978-79
Frank Wilson	1979-90
Dave Altopp	1990-95
Lora Donoho	1995-97
Gary Sharpe	1997-98
Alan Smith	1998-2007
Brenda Patterson	2007-11
Mark Elliott	2011-27

 

MORE ABOUT THE TREVECCA TROJANS

Visit the Official Home of Trevecca Athletics at www.tnutrojans.com | www.trevecca.edu

Trojan Sideline Store | Watch Trojans Live on FloCollege

 

Follow on Social Media - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Free Newsletter

 

-- www.tnutrojans.com --

#PurpleReigns #DefendTheHill