Began at Illinois:
July, 1999
Education:
He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois in 1999.
Responsibilities:
Burson was elevated to Associate Athletics Director in April 2023, leading the Illinois Athletics Communication office and overseeing its 10-person staff, and coordinating communication efforts for the athletics department and DIA administration initiatives. In his current role, Burson continues to spearhead publicity and serve as media liaison for the Fighting Illini men’s basketball program. In addition, he is Illinois' contact for the Big Ten Network and assists the DIA on a number of projects, which include leading the selection process for student-athlete awards, planning for The Oskees annual scholar-athlete banquet, media services for NCAA events hosted by Illinois, and handling materials for the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame.
Past Experience:
Burson is in his 26th year overall as a member of the Illinois athletics communication office, and his second year directing the unit as Associate AD. He was previously promoted to Assistant AD for Communication in October 2013, following three years in the role of associate sports information director from 2010-13. He served as assistant SID for nine years from 2001-10 after beginning his career in the sports information office in 1999 with a two-year internship.
Burson has covered the men’s basketball team since his first year in the department (1999-2000 season), taking over as primary contact for the program in 2007. During his tenure Illinois men’s basketball has had 13 All-Americans – including seven consensus All-America selections – won five regular season Big Ten championships and four Big Ten Tournament championships, and participated in 15 NCAA Tournaments, highlighted by a trip to the NCAA Championship game in 2005.
He was a member of the Illinois Basketball Centennial Committee in 2004-05 and was previously the athletics communication contact for the Illinois volleyball, golf, track & field, and cross country teams, and assisted with Fighting Illini football. In 2013 and 2021, he served as communications director for the NCAA Div. I Men's and Women's Tennis Championships, hosted by the University of Illinois.
Burson is a member of the College Sports Communicators, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Football Writers Association of America.
Personal:
He and his wife, Karry, reside in Mahomet with their daughter, Aubrey, and son, Evan. Karry earned her master's degree from the University of Illinois, while Aubrey is a current U of I student.
The Bursons are also overprotective caregivers to a supermutt, Addi (ten-sixty), and German sheprador, Charlie (Sir Charles).
Updated August 2024
