Incoming President Tim Westbrook has named York University's men’s basketball coach, Tree Burks (’12), to the newly created role of director of student success and career support. In this new position, Burks will be located in the student life office as York University seeks to reinforce resources to improve student support in three areas targeted in the strategic plan: retention, career support, and student belonging.
Dr. Westbrook said, “Coach Burks’ new role as director of student success and career support adds a new layer of ways we are helping York University students begin their focus on life after college. Guided by our mission and strategic plan, we want all of our students to see academic success so that they will be ready to launch into the workforce. As Coach Burks collaborates with existing programs that include financial aid, the Better Together club, and the Academic Resource Center, this position enhances what the office of student life can offer. I firmly believe that Coach Burks will apply his skills from a career of coaching basketball to preparing our graduates for the plays they need for real-life challenges.”
Burks’ new role is set to begin on May 1. His responsibilities will focus on collaborating with other campus partners to improve student success. The position aligns with the goals outlined in YU’s strategic plan, Seizing Our Future 2028, which emphasizes growth in areas that Burks will help address.
Burks shared his excitement about the transition, “As a proud alumnus of York University and having spent over a decade dedicated to our athletic community, I am beyond excited to embark on this new chapter as the director of student success and career support. As a first-generation college graduate who navigated life at York, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs of pursuing higher education. This transition represents a unique opportunity to impact students' lives beyond athletics, and I’m deeply committed to helping them succeed academically, personally, and professionally. I look forward to contributing to their journeys and to further enhancing the support and opportunities available to the next generation of York Panthers.”