Arkansas State University-Newport is pleased to share Robert Burgess is the new Dean for Applied Science. Burgess has been with ASUN since 2013 serving as Master Instructor-Computer Networking Technology, Assistant to the Dean for Applied Science, Associate Dean for General Education-STEM, and now Dean for Applied Science.

Burgess is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Jonesboro at the age of 10. He started his educational journey by earning a Basic and Advanced Certificate in Electronics in 1997 and 1998 from Delta Technical Institute. He then earned an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Electronics Technology and Associate of Science, both from Arkansas State University. 

Burgess graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology and received a Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management also from A-State. 

Applied Science encompasses many programs at ASUN including Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Business, Collision Repair Technology, Commercial Driver Training, Computer Networking Technology, Diesel Technology, Energy Control Technology, High Voltage Lineman Technology, Industrial Maintenance and Welding. 

Burgess said he's excited to learn more about the Applied Science programs he is less familiar with. His goal is to see each program grow.

"I plan to put each of our Applied Science programs in the best possible position to succeed and to help each program and faculty member be a little better than they were last year," Burgess said. 

Dr. Holly Smith, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said Burgess is the right person to lead this department.

"We are excited that Mr. Burgess has accepted the position of Dean for Applied Science, and we are eager to move forward with building and strengthening our many workforce and industry partnerships through our academic programs," Smith said. "Mr. Burgess brings to this position a strong knowledge of ASU-Newport's mission and a great deal of experience having served as the Associate Dean for General Education, Assistant to the Dean of Applied Science, and Master Instructor of Computer Networking Technology at ASUN. He has demonstrated a clear passion for teaching and student success, and I firmly believe he will continue to exhibit the record of excellence that ASUN and our faculty are known for."