Trevecca Nazarene University has selected Jon Burch as the University’s 14th director of athletics. Burch will assume the role July 1, 2027, following the 2026-27 academic year.
“Jon has loved Trevecca Athletics from the time he was a student to where he is today, as the faculty athletics representative and a parent of one of our students,” President Dr. Dan Boone said. “His selection resolves any concern about finding someone who’s a good fit for Trevecca.”
Burch succeeds Mark Elliott, who continues to lead the department through his 16th and final season. The transition gives Burch a full academic year to work alongside Elliott and develop his vision for the department.
“Trevecca Athletics has a strong foundation. Mark Elliott has intentionally anchored the department in the Christian-Scholar-Athlete philosophy. That philosophy excites me, and I fully embrace it,” Burch said. “I appreciate Dr. Boone’s trust in me and this opportunity. The quality of our coaches, staff, and leadership team already points to great days ahead for our student-athletes and everyone in the TNU and Nashville communities who loves Trojan athletics.”
Burch played basketball at Trevecca for Trojan Hall of Fame coach Frank Wilson. After Wilson’s departure, Burch left Trevecca to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He later returned to complete his undergraduate degree, which he completed in 1997, then earned a master’s degree in 1999 and a doctorate in education in 2003 at Trevecca as well.
Burch has taught management and leadership at Trevecca for 26 years at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels in the Skinner School of Business. During his tenure, he also served as director of graduate management programs. His professional experience beyond Trevecca includes ministry, corporate work and consulting on leadership and organizational effectiveness.
In his role as faculty athletics representative, Burch has already been working with Elliott, the athletics leadership staff and the coaches to support the student-athletes in the classroom. Trevecca posted a 94 percent Academic Success Rate in the NCAA's 2025 report, ranking No. 12 among 311 Division II institutions.
Burch addressed graduates at both of Trevecca's 2024 commencement ceremonies. He has authored two books: "So, You Want to Be a Leader...Let the Journey Begin" and "The Gym Rat's Guide to Championship Living."
Burch and his wife, Mindy, have three children and live in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Burch will take the reins in 2027-28 as Trevecca enters its 60th season of intercollegiate athletics. The Purple and White also begin their fourth season in the Gulf South Conference and their 16th season in the NCAA Division II era.
Trevecca began intercollegiate athletics with one team, men’s basketball, in 1968-69. Elmer Heaberlin served as the University’s first director of athletics and the program’s first coach.
Trevecca’s NCAA Division II era began in 2012-13, and the school earned full membership in 2014. Under Elliott, the Trojans helped establish the Great Midwest Athletic Conference before joining the Gulf South Conference in 2024.
A formal press conference and introduction are planned for later in 2027 as Burch assumes full leadership of Trevecca athletics.
Trevecca Nazarene University (trevecca.edu) is a Christian university in the heart of Nashville focused on preparing students for lives of leadership and service. Founded in 1901, Trevecca is committed to holistic education that encourages students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. With students from 47 states and 36 countries, Trevecca offers 79 undergraduate majors, 33 master’s programs, 6 doctoral programs, 15 associate degrees, and specialist and certificate programs.