Awards

IUB Athletics Hall of Fame - 2019

School of Public Health John R. Endwright Alumni Service Award - 2018

Leanne Grotke Award - 2008

About Kay Burrus

Dr. S. Kay Burrus served Indiana University with honor and distinction for over 39 years. She received her B.S. (1959) and M.S. (1962) degrees from SIU. She later completed her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan in 1974.

Dr. Burrus taught at Sterling High School in Illinois for 3 years, and then moved on to SIU as an Associate Instructor in the Department of Physical Education for Women. Dr. Burrus came to Indiana University in 1962 as an Instructor and Coach in the Department of Physical Education for Women, and then in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. In addition to being an instructor, Dr. Burrus established IU’s first two extramural sports for women—field hockey and basketball. She was highly successful with both, coaching field hockey from 1962-1976 and basketball from 1963-67.

Once Dr. Burrus earned her Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, she served as an invaluable member of the Exercise Physiology faculty in the Department of Physical Education, later renamed the Department of Kinesiology. During her tenure she made significant contributions to the school through service, teaching, and research missions. Dr. Burrus was actively involved in many professional organizations, most notably serving as President of the Midwest Association for College and University Physical Education from 1987-1990. Dr. Burrus was named Associate Dean for Academic Program Administration in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (later renamed School of Public Health–Bloomington) in 1987. Her sensitivity and friendly accessibility to the students, attention to detail, and quiet wisdom made her a most valuable and respected administrator. Dr. Burrus dedicated her professional life to the betterment of the Department of Kinesiology.

Kay passed away in June 2018 at the age of 80.