Representing the University of Delaware as NCAA Faculty Representative is distinguished UD professor Dr. John L. Burmeister.

Burmeister, associate chairperson and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is the official voting delegate for UD at all NCAA functions. He has served as Chairman of the UD Athletics Governing Board, the policy-making committee of the Board of Trustees responsible for the conduct of the UD athletic program, since 1981.

A 1959 graduate of Franklin & Marshall, Burmeister received his doctorate from Northwestern in 1963 and then taught at the University of Illinois before joining the Delaware faculty in 1964.

He is one of Delaware’s most respected teachers, as he was chosen UD’s second Alumni Distinguished Professor in 1993, an award that recognizes excellence in teaching and extraordinary commitment to students.

He is only the third teacher in UD history to be twice (1968-79) named winner of the Lindback and Delaware Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award. Selection for the award is based on student, faculty, administrative, alumni and community evaluation.

Burmeister was named the 1994 Delaware Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and was honored by the Delaware Academy of Science who named him the Distinguished Delaware Scientist for 1994.

The prestigious CASE award honors the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country - those that excel as teachers and influence the lives and careers of their students.

In 1981 Burmeister was also recognized nationally when he was named one of the top six chemistry professors in the nation by the Chemical Manufacturers Association, winning the group's "Catalyst Award for Excellence in Chemistry Teaching." In 1985, he was named the UD College of Arts & Sciences Professor of the Year.

He was elected to honorary membership in Alpha Lambda Delta in 1997. He has authored or co-authored over 115 research publications and one book in the area of inorganic chemistry. He has served as a Ruling Elder in the Head of Christiana United Presbyterian Church for 22 years.

He and his wife, Aileen, have two children, Lisa and Jeff, and three granddaughters.

Updated 6/15/10