Since July 1, 1996, Dr. Barbara G. Burch has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition, she was appointed as Provost for Western Kentucky University on January 1, 1998. In this role, she is the chief academic officer for the University and is responsible for overseeing the general goals and directions for the academic development of the campus including instruction, research, public service, and related support offices.

Dr. Burch attended the Indiana University where she received her Master's and Doctorate in Education, and her Bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University in English. She came to Western from California State University, Fresno, where she served as Dean of the School of Education and Human Services. She also has served as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Interim Dean, Associate Dean, and Director of Graduate Studies at University of Memphis. She has been an elementary and secondary school classroom teacher in Louisville, Kentucky, and Bloomington, Indiana. She also served as Director of Curriculum Development and Research for Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tennessee.

In addition to extensive publications, Dr. Burch has been successful in numerous grants and funded activities. She has held major leadership roles at state, national and international levels including serving as the President of  the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education.