Reynolds Community College
President Gary Rhodes recently advised the college that “it is with sadness
that I inform you of the passing earlier today of S.A. "Bud" Burnette.
As
the second president of the college, he laid a strong foundation upon which to build
three campuses and serve scores of students for generations ahead”.
Dr. Burnette led the college for
26 years after becoming president in April 1976. Under his leadership, Reynolds
grew to become one of the largest community colleges in the Commonwealth, with
three campuses across central Virginia. For his outstanding leadership,
Reynolds Community College dedicated the first building ever constructed on the
college's Parham Road Campus in his honor and the College Board awarded him
President Emeritus status. In 2007, Central Virginia Community College also
bestowed upon him the title President Emeritus. Family and friends established
the S.A. Burnette Scholarship with the J. Sargent Reynolds Community College
Educational Foundation in 2002, as an endowment to provide ongoing financial
support for deserving Reynolds' students.
Dr. Burnette will very much be
missed by his Reynolds Community College family.
