Counseling and Student Affairs Staff

Dr. Monica Galloway Burke is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Tougaloo College, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration and Supervision with an emphasis in Higher Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. For approximately 28 years, Dr. Burke has served as both an educator and practitioner in student affairs and higher education, building upon earlier professional experience in the field of mental health.

Dr. Burke’s research focuses on college student development, professional preparation, helping and coping skills, mental health and well-being, and issues related to inclusion, belonging, and higher education leadership. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous scholarly books. She is the lead author of both the first and second editions of Helping Skills for Working with College Students: Applying Counseling Theory to Student Affairs Practice and Helping Students in Distress: A Faculty Guide. She is also a co-author of Mindful Strategies for Helping College Students Manage Stress: A Guide for Higher Education Professionals. In addition, she has served as co-editor of several scholarly works, including No Ways Tired: The Journey for Professionals of Color in Student Affairs (three-volume series), Contemporary Issues within Caribbean Economies, and Culturally Responsive Leadership for Social Justice and Academic Equity for All. Dr. Burke has delivered more than 175 presentations and workshops at international, national, regional, state, and local conferences. She has also served the profession in numerous editorial roles as a co-editor, associate editor, editorial board member, and manuscript reviewer for scholarly journals. She has directed and supervised numerous theses, dissertations, and independent research projects.

Dr. Burke currently serves as the Faculty Fellow for ONE WKU in the Office of the Provost at Western Kentucky University. She previously served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community of Practice Fellow with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) and as a member of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) Faculty Advisory Network. She continues to support faculty and staff development through the ONE WKU Teaching Academy and Staff Academy. She is also a Global Labor Organization (GLO) Fellow.

Throughout her career, Dr. Burke has been recognized for excellence in teaching, research, mentoring, leadership, and service. She has received numerous honors from Western Kentucky University, professional associations, student organizations, and the Bowling Green community. These include the designation of University Distinguished Professor, the

Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Faculty Mentoring Award, the President’s Award for Diversity, and multiple College of Education and Behavioral Sciences awards for excellence in research, teaching, and advising. Nationally and regionally, she has received the Bobby E. Leach Award, the H. Howard Davis Award, and the Melvene Draheim Hardee Award from the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA). In 2025, she was inducted into SACSA’s Gavel and Gravel Society in recognition of her sustained contributions to the profession. She was also inducted into the Kentucky Hall of Fame by the College Personnel Association of Kentucky (CPAK) and received the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission’s Woman of Achievement Award in the field of College Education.

Through her scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional leadership, Dr. Burke continues to advance the preparation of higher education professionals and promote student success. Her work bridges research and practice, emphasizing the development of helping professionals, responsive leadership, college student well-being, and inclusive learning environments.