Nate Burton
Athletic Director , West Virginia State University
Growing up in Charleston , WV , Nate Burton was always at a sports field or gym . An all-state basketball and baseball player for Charleston Catholic High School , he went on to play basketball at Washington & Jefferson College , where he graduated with a bachelor ’ s degree in business in 2009 . While he didn ’ t make it to the NBA , Burton is still celebrated for bringing his determination , dedication and discipline to the game and to the teams he now oversees .
He credits the mentorship of Mike Hamrick , the athletic director at Marshall University , for helping guide his next steps .
“ I knew I wanted to work in college athletics ,” says Burton . “ I had the opportunity to meet with Mike , and we discussed possible careers in the field . After that discussion , I realized I wanted to pursue a career in fundraising . I applied for a graduate assistant position at Marshall working for the Big Green Scholarship Foundation . After the amazing experience I had , I knew it was the right path for me .”
With his new goals in mind , Burton pursued an internship in the athletic department at Clemson University for the IPTAY Scholarship Fund . After graduating from Marshall with a master ’ s in sports management in 2011 , Burton launched his career with High Point University Athletics in North Carolina , where he served as the assistant director of external relations . He later worked as the assistant director for athletic development at the University of North Carolina Wilmington .
Today , as the athletic director for West Virginia State University ( WVSU ), his track record of success is undeniable . Since January 2016 , he has helped raise private funds to improve the athletic fields at WVSU and has created external programs for annual support and sponsorship that have generated more than $ 1.75 million . Under his leadership , WVSU Athletics has won eight conference championships and secured four NCAA Tournament berths with two Sweet 16 appearances for the women ’ s tennis team . The football program has also celebrated three consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 40 years . In 2017 , Burton received the NCAA Division II Award for Excellence for the Mountain East Conference .
His contributions also include developing the academic side of his student athletes . He introduced academic progress reports with the university faculty , which resulted in a 17 % increase in student athletes who achieved a 3.0 or higher GPA .
“ I oversee the athletic department ’ s budget , personnel and game day operations for our 11 NCAA Division II teams and 275 student athletes , and there is truly nothing else I ’ d rather be doing ,” says Burton . “ I ’ ve never thrown a pass or scored a basket for WVSU . The success we ’ ve had is because of our athletes , coaches , staff and supporters .”
Burton takes in the view of the grand lobby .
PORTIA SMITH & SAMANTHA CART TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
As much as Burton prioritizes winning , his greatest priority is helping student athletes grow and develop so they can contribute to society and their communities when they graduate — something he echoes in his own life .
In the past , he has contributed his time and talent to several community organizations , including fundraising for the March of Dimes and the Walking Miracles Foundation and serving as a board member for the Capitol Market . Today , he advocates for cancer awareness through Real Men Wear Pink , a passion that was inspired by his mother ’ s breast cancer diagnosis in 2005 .
“ Fifteen years later , I am happy to say my mom is a survivor ,” he says . “ My parents , Greg and Kim , have always shown me the importance of being a part of something that is much bigger than myself .”
Burton also serves as a youth leader at Bible Center Church . A man of faith , there is no doubt his involvement in the lives of church youth and student athletes alike has created positive change , and he feels blessed to be able to serve others in his home state of West Virginia . Burton resides in Charleston with his wife , Lauren , and his two children , Bella and Chip .
“ I have had the opportunity to live in other states , but the people of West Virginia are what make it so special ,” he says . •
“ When I stand before God at the end of my life , I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say , ‘ I used everything you gave me .’”
– Erma Bombeck
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