By Emma Thomson and Jack Gallant
Last year, Fitchburg State University’s former Athletic Director, Sue Lauder, announced her retirement after 22 years with the University. Taking her place as the third athletic director in FSU athletics history is Matthew Burke. For Burke, a model athlete is a team player both on the field and off.
Burke believes that student-athletes learn valuable life lessons by participating in collegiate athletics and team sports, but performing at a high level in the classroom is just as important. “Athletics teaches valuable life lessons and we want to make sure our athletes learn those skills to be successful in all aspects of life,” said Burke.
Burke’s ultimate goal is to encourage student-athletes to get involved on campus, in the community, and positively contribute to our society as a whole.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree from UMASS Amherst in sports management, as well as his master’s degree in business administration from Nichols College, Burke served as the athletic director at Mount Ida College, in Newton Massachusetts for 8 years. At FSU Burke will be responsible for administering seventeen varsity sports, 350 athletes and over 50 staff members.
“Fitchburg State is a very welcoming community and I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone. Our student-athletes are extremely impressive, hard-working, and dedicated to being the best they can be,” said Burke.