Burbridge to retire after 33 years of service

Toni Burbridge began her career at West Virginia University by working as an entry-level secretary fresh out of high school in 1975. During the next two and a half years, she worked for the Office of Research and Development and West Virginia Network and Telecommuting. Toni then took a break for the next several years to raise her twins while attending WVU as a part-time college student.

When she returned in 1991, Toni worked for the WVU School of Medicine in Infectious Diseases for two years. From there, Toni joined the Department of Exercise Physiology when it was located in the Coliseum, perfect timing as her daughter soon began college as a member of the WVU women’s basketball team. Toni relished being in the same building as her daughter and often watched team practices during her breaks.

After three years, Toni joined the School of Medicine Professional and Undergraduate Programs Department as lead advisor where she continued directly working with students, including those in the Exercise Physiology program. In addition to advising, Toni became the first professional recruiter for the department’s programs, joining the West Virginia tour and traveling throughout the state sharing information about the professional and undergraduate programs.

By this time Toni’s twin daughters Jennifer and Rebecca were graduating from exercise physiology and entering dental and medical school respectively. The experiences her daughters had in exercise physiology helped lend authenticity and insight to her recruitment knowledge. This, coupled with Toni’s outgoing and infectious personality, made her a favorite among students and parents.

Over the years, Toni has formed many close relationships with the students she advised, particularly her student athletes, receiving numerous thank you cards, gifts and invitations to attend the Blue and Golden Globe Awards and Coach of the Game honors, to name a few. Today, many of the students who have graduated remain in touch with Toni, keeping her posted on their lives. For the past three years, Toni has served as the Assistant Director of Advising for Professional and Undergraduate Programs and has been a valued member of the leadership team.

For her nearly 33 years of service, Toni’s contribution to WVU has truly been invaluable. A celebration will be held to wish Toni well on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the West Virginia Room in Health Sciences North.