Chief Development Officer
Antonio "Tony" Burns is originally from Chicago, IL, and joined UT after 5 years at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry (UTHSCCoD). During his time at UTHSCCoD, Tony served as the Senior Director of Development, which required him to manage a team and serve as the lead for the philanthropic operation. Tony was the architect and manager of the UTHSCCoD’s Campaign for Clinical Excellence; this $30M initiative focused on the acquisition of equipment, scholarships, and faculty endowments.
Tony was employed at Colgate University before relocating to Tennessee and worked in various roles including Admission, Annual Giving, Leadership Giving, and Major Gifts. While at Colgate he also served as Director of the Parents' and Grandparents' Fund for which he led the overall parent engagement effort for the university. As the Chief Development Officer for the College of Pharmacy, Tony is responsible for working closely with the dean to grow philanthropic support for the College and guide campaign activities. He also manages a team that focuses on frontline fundraising and alumni relations.
Tony received his B.A. from Colgate University and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. He earned his MBA from the University of Memphis and is currently planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Business leadership.