Greg Burke has been ingrained in the Natchitoches community for the better part of the past 38 years as a university administrator, community activist, servant leader and family man. He is married to Susu Williamson Burke, a Natchitoches native whose family roots run deep in the community. Their daughter Catherine and husband, Joseph Faucheaux, also a Natchitoches native, are recent parents to Madeline Jean, who was born on September 1 at 24 weeks and through remarkable prayers and support, is on the path to coming home soon.

Love for Burke’s “adopted hometown” can be described in any number of adjectives including “passionate,” “committed,” and “ambitious.” His pursuit of the “Council-at-Large” position for Natchitoches is based on his belief that the growth factor and upward trajectory for the city, while in motion, are still works in progress which must get on a faster track to ensure that the reputation and image of the city reaches its potential.

Burke references the oft-heard phrase recited about an individual being “beautiful both inside and out” as a parallel to how he desires Natchitoches to be viewed. Natchitoches residents must look in the mirror and objectively see the good and the not so good. If both are not acknowledged internally, then the outside world’s perception (and perception is often reality) of Natchitoches will be ambiguous and worse yet, negative.

Our city has many strengths – a unique downtown historic district, good location, a growing focus on diversity, secured grant monies to develop infrastructure, a university (nothing like a college town) and more – and enhancing those assets starts with internal buy-in. By the same token and as is the case with most other towns and cities, Natchitoches has issues and problems which include (most notably) crime, needed infrastructure development, economic development, and a declining university enrollment.

Ironically, or maybe not, the strengths and weaknesses of Natchitoches are linked to each other. For example, more economic development can be the direct result of having less crime and better infrastructure which will attract new companies along with their employees and families. As stated in his qualifying statement, Burke strongly feels that issues can serve as a wonderful opportunity to galvanize a community. For that to happen, everyone needs to be open to listening to all perspectives. That does not mean that all opinions must align but the more people involved, the better chance of the best, and right, answers coming forth.

Team building and collaboration have served as foundations of Burke’s leadership skills whether it was as an Athletic Director, NCAA Division I committee member or president/member of a local civic group or organization. And make no mistake about it, he will personally invest the time and energy needed to do the job the right way. His father was a schoolteacher who worked two and a half jobs until his four children were fully grown. His mother was a hard-working housewife who raised four children, all born within the first six years of being married. Sweat equity comes naturally for Greg Burke.

If you know Greg Burke, you know he is qualified for this position. If you do not know Greg Burke, take the time to do so (and he will be taking the time to meet you, as well) and you will come away with the same impression.

All for one, One for all, All for Natchitoches!