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Burnette takes over as VP of Finance

Daarel Burnette is the new Vice President of Finance at Grambling State University. As a whole, Burnette oversees all of the financial and operation entities of the university. Burnette was born in Fort -Walton Beach, Fla. Growing up, he looked up to his parents, because they always instilled in him the importance of education.

Waiting a year after high school to go to college, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue a higher education. He applied and was admitted to Tuskegee, Florida A&M University and Morehouse College.

“My mom always wanted one of her boys to be a Morehouse man, and so I was,” said Burnette. In his senior year he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He was involved in business and accounting clubs, as well as the Student Government Association throughout his college matriculation.

After graduation, he became a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, serving 22 years as a Financial Management officer.

“It gave me the opportunity to see the world,” he said. “I’ve worked from Ohio to Washington, even D.C., in different areas in the Pentagon, as well as the Air force space command.”

He also worked outside of the United States with NATO in Turkey and in Bosnia.

Brunette’s goals are to embrace all the priorities of the President and to the increase the school’s standards.

He also wants to diversify the international student body program along with an increase in a new insured, safe pedestrian free environment, and an enhancement of customer service.

Burnette also feels very strongly about beautifying the campus and wants it to have a home away from home feel.

“I want to make sure that resources are spent on Grambling,” he said. “I want students to feel good about going to their classes.”

Burnette is also focused on making sure the university stays competitive academically.

“I want to make sure that the university receives its re-accreditation again from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS),” he said.

Burnette quickly spoke on plans that are in place now, specifically van and golf cart services for students. He also stated that the movie theatre is nearing completion upstairs in the Tiger Xpress. The theatre is estimated to seat around 150 people.

Also being installed is a 20-games room inside the Xpress and the Greek Plaza, which is located in front of Brown Hall.

So far, Burnette has enjoyed his time at GSU.

“It’s been great working with all of the departments,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed all of the student activities, including football games and all of the happenings in the community.