NASHVILLE — Dr. Jim Burton, outgoing dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, was presented Tuesday with a framed copy of Senate Joint Resolution 139, which honors his tenure heading one of the largest business colleges in the nation.

Outgoing College of Business Dean Jim Burton, center, receives a Senate resolution April 2 at the General Assembly in Nashville. Pictured from left to right are state Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro; Burton’s wife, Nancy; Burton; state Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville; Burton’s granddaughter, Reese Wrather; grandson Gavin Wrather; daughter, Robin Wrather; and son-in-law, Jason Wrather. Speaker of the Senate and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey is on the dais. (Photo courtesy of the College of Business)

The resolution was sponsored by state Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, and state Rep. Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, and presented to Burton in the state Senate chambers of the State Capitol in Nashville.

Dr. Jim Burton

Attending the presentation were Burton’s wife, Nancy; granddaughter Reese Wrather; grandson Gavin Wrather; daughter, Robin Wrather; and son-in-law, Jason Wrather.

The resolution honors and commends Burton “for his contributions to Middle Tennessee State University, as dean of the Jennings A Jones College of Business,” as well as his contributions to the broader community through organizations such as the Boys Scouts of America and Leadership Middle Tennessee.

Burton, who has served as dean since August 1999, will step down from his position on June 30, though he will remain at the university in an emeritus role.

Dr. David J. Urban, executive associate dean at the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University, becomes the next dean on July 1.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)