Thomas Burns

A chemist and lifelong educator with an extensive record of leadership in higher education, Dr. Thomas D. Burns became the president of York College of Pennsylvania in July 2023. At YCP, Dr. Burns has focused on strengthening campus operations and facilities, streamlining administrative roles, and deepening the College’s connections with the broader York community. Immediately before joining York College, Dr. Burns served as provost of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he oversaw academic affairs, enrollment, student life, and facilities. Dr. Burns graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Chemistry from Dickinson College in 1991 and earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Vanderbilt University in 1998. Dr. Burns is married to Margret, also a Ph.D. chemist and Vanderbilt graduate. They have two adult children.