Dr. Thomas Burns is the fifth President of York College of Pennsylvania. His presidency began on July 1, 2023.
Dr. Burns joins the College during a time of great progress for the institution, with the recent launch of York’s Strategic Plan 2.0, the opening of the Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation, and an ongoing commitment to campus sustainability. Under his leadership, York College continues a proud tradition of affordability and quality for more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
Servire Est Vivere
The College's motto, servire est vivere — to serve is to live — is an ongoing reminder of our mission. Our campus has long served as a place of opportunity where students can receive a practical, experiential education. Here, they build the foundations for their future careers, but even more importantly, they also develop tools to create lives of passion and purpose. By serving our students, York College becomes a catalyst for future generations who will make their own impact on their communities, their industries, and the world.
The Inauguration of York College's 5th President
On April 13, 2024, York College of Pennsylvania celebrated the Inauguration of Thomas D. Burns, Ph.D., as the fifth President of the College. Events included:
- A Celebration of York College Faculty, Staff, and Administration
- York College Faculty Research and Community Engagement
- Spartapalooza - Student Event
- Boustead Inaugural Concert: Jupiter String Quartet
- Inauguration Ceremony
Leadership at York College
The President's Cabinet includes senior leaders representing each area of York College. Members meet regularly to discuss all facets of the institution, and to guide College-wide strategy and decision-making.
Officers
Laura T. Wand
Chair
Stephen Tansey
Vice Chair
Carol S. Eicher
Secretary
Gary A. Stewart Jr.
Treasurer
Trustees
C. Kim Bracey
Dale A. Carey
Frank H. Countess, Esq.
Lynne G. DeWitt
Michael T. Doweary MBA '12
Carol S. Eicher MBA '90
Dotti Fischer '79
Dr. Teresa L. Gregory '89/MBA '02
Natalee C. Gunderson '09/MBA '14
Shawn J. Halsey '01
Oliver W. Hoar
Kevin D. Jackson '99
Rev. Dr. Mark K. Kearse '05
Jon D. Kirssin '78
Dr. Kathryn Leonard '99
Hon. Maria Musti Cook '81
Keith D. Noll
John Ortenzio '80
Mark Schmidt '73
William T. Yanavitch II
Anne E. Zerbe, Esq.
Since the institution's transition from York Junior College to York College of Pennsylvania in 1968, five leaders have occupied the Office of the President.
- Dr. Ray A. Miller (1968-1976)
- Dr. Robert V. Iosue (1976-1991)
- Dr. George W. Waldner (1991-2013)
- Dr. Pamela J. Gunter-Smith (2013-2023)
- Dr. Thomas D. Burns (2023-present)
Contact the President's Office
Thomas Burns, Ph.D.
President
Miller Administration Building, Room 101
Phone: 717.815.1221
collegepresident@ycp.edu