Brad Burnett, University of Oklahoma Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Student Financial Services, has been selected as the 2014 Regents’ Award for Superior Staff on the OU Norman campus. In the nomination letter written by his supervisor, Matthew Hamilton, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Financial Services and Registrar, he described Burnett as a leader, a hard worker and a loyal OU employee. Hamilton added, “Brad has the kind of personality that makes others want to work with him. He fosters team unity by being a great team member and leader.”
Burnett served as the functional project manager for the implementation of oZONE, an online portal that provides students, faculty and staff with a way to take care of all their university business needs in one place. His ability to pull together teams of people in a high-stress environment did not go unnoticed. His people skills and technical savvy brought OU the highest quality implementation.
He has championed some of the most creative programming found in financial aid operations in the country, which include group financial sourcing programs helping OU to collaborate with the Oklahoma College Savings Program and OU gift cards to allow relative and friends to give the “gift of education” to current students. Burnett has also worked with the K-20 Center as a contributor to their financial education gaming module.
The establishment of the OU Financial Education and Counseling Program, which was founded by Burnett, has helped OU become one of the leading schools in the country in the arena of financial education. He also presents a for-credit class called “9 Things Every College Student Should Know About Money.”
Burnett is making a difference, and he continues to look for new ways to serve, Hamilton said, adding, “He is leading the charge to change the prospective student experience, especially from a technological engagement perspective.”
The OU Board of Regents established the award in 1988 to recognize outstanding contributions made by OU staff members whose job performance, service activities and dedication have enhanced the mission of the university. The award was presented at the Norman campus staff awards ceremony April 22 in Oklahoma Memorial Union.
