Ann B. Burke Nutrition Scholarship Fund

The following biography was written at the time of this scholarship establishment; some information may not be up to date:

Ann Brandon Burke grew up on a dairy farm in Yadkin County, North Carolina. From those roots, she enrolled at Woman’s College and received an undergraduate degree in home economics and a graduate degree in nutrition. During her entire career, she was employed in some phase of foods and nutrition. Her first job was with a trade association, where she disseminated nutrition literature to schools and professional organizations. From there she went into food sales, then food service with an international corporation, and finally into the cooperative extension service of North Carolina State University. The cooperative extension service is dedicated to helping people improve their lives and the lives of their families.

Ann explains, “Using research-based teaching, nationally recognized HES faculty prepared me exceptionally well for my career in community nutrition education. Mary Dickey was a faculty member at UNCG who directed my graduate thesis. She was patient, sometimes demanding and cajoling, always encouraging. She was my cheerleader and she became my friend. Indeed, she was my mentor.”

She is married to Donald Burke from Tampa, Florida. Don came to work in Greensboro for Dow Corning Corporation. They enjoyed playing tennis and golf. In fact, their first date was on the nine-hole golf course at Woman’s College. They enjoy traveling and Ann has eaten eel and kangaroo in Australia, and smelt in France.

Ann explains her motivation of making this gift, saying “It is my privilege to give this scholarship. It is my desire that the recipient’s life will be enriched by an increased knowledge of nutrition. Also, it would be of great satisfaction to me if the recipient were to pursue a career in helping people achieve a healthy weight through the use of research-based food preparation and selection practices.”