WKU provost emerita Barbara Burch died Sunday morning

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-Staff at Western Kentucky University is mourning the loss of a longtime staff member.

Professor and Provost Emerita Barbara Burch died early Sunday morning at Tristar regional green view hospital. She was 81 years old.

Burch previously served as the faculty representative on the university’s board of regents.

Burch began working at WKU as the vice president of academic affairs. She was a professor in the educational doctoral program. WKU director of media relations bob skipper called her passing a big loss for the university.

“She was an educator’s educator. She prided herself on the research and dedication to higher education and was very well respected and admired by many of her students who she mentored through the doctoral program,” Skipper said.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 8 from at J. C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday January 9 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.