AUBURN, Ala. – As part of its spring commencement ceremonies, Auburn University will honor retired Lieutenant General Ronald L. Burgess Jr., one of its most distinguished alumni and a leading figure in military intelligence, with a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa. The honorary degree will be conferred during the university’s spring commencement ceremony on May 11 at 1 p.m. in Neville Arena.

A highly decorated officer and distinguished leader in the U.S. Army for nearly four decades, Burgess is credited with significantly enhancing military intelligence capabilities and transforming defense intelligence into a collaborative enterprise, thereby safeguarding national and international security interests. Following his military career, Burgess has been a key figure in promoting the U.S. cyber defense sector and provided strategic leadership to the university. His honorary doctorate, awarded by the Board of Trustees, marks only the 162nd time an honorary degree has been conferred in Auburn’s 169-year history.

“An honorary doctorate is the highest honor we bestow on those individuals who embody our institution's values,” Trustee Jimmy Rane said. “Through his selfless service to our country and dedication to improving our university for future generations, Gen. Ron Burgess truly represents the ideals that define an Auburn graduate. It is especially fitting to honor a true American patriot during the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding.”

A 1974 Auburn graduate in political science, Burgess was commissioned into the Army from the university’s ROTC program as a tank platoon leader before quickly transitioning into the intelligence community. After completing advanced training in tactical intelligence, which included armored warfare, aerial surveillance, image interpretation, signal intelligence and electronic warfare, Burgess was assigned increasing levels of responsibility and rank at various postings around the world.

“The foundation laid from my educational experiences and military science curriculum prepared me well for a career of military service to the country. That foundation also allowed me to return and serve the institution that I love.” ~ Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess

In addition to commanding the 125th Military Intelligence Battalion and the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade, Burgess served as the director of Intelligence Staff in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and as the 17th director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. In these roles, he was a key figure in the national security sector, advising the highest levels of government and national security on strategies related to the global war on terror, including the President, Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Congressional leaders.

Among his many achievements, Burgess contributed to the revised guidelines for U.S. government intelligence activities and helped create more effective intelligence community operations. As a result, he received awards from the governments of Colombia and Bolivia, the Order of the Star of Romania, and was inducted into the National Order of the Legion of Honor by France.

His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge.

Upon his retirement in 2012, Burgess joined Auburn University as the Senior Counsel for National Security Programs, Cyber Programs and Military Affairs, where he helped advance the university's role in defense, aerospace and national security research. As chairman of the Board for the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Burgess significantly enhanced Auburn's cyber and critical infrastructure research and security compliance, helping establish the university as a global leader in cyber security research. Under his leadership, the development of critical infrastructure security policies, helping secure millions of dollars in research contracts funded by the government and private sector.

“As an alumnus, military leader and diplomat, General Burgess personifies the Auburn Creed through his duty and sacrifice," President Christopher B. Roberts said. "His contributions to protecting our nation and creating a safer world are matched only by his unwavering dedication to Auburn, which are a testament to the core values of our institution.”

In May 2018, Burgess transitioned to the role of Auburn’s Executive Vice President, where he advised three of the university’s presidents on matters related to the institution’s strategic directions and goals, as well as its management and administrative operations. Following his retirement in June 2023, Burgess continues to advise and mentor Auburn students, continuing his legacy of service.

In 2013, Burgess was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Auburn University Alumni Association and was inducted into the United States Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Army ROTC National Hall of Fame in 2016.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from Auburn University,” Burgess said.

In addition to a Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern California and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Burgess was awarded honorary degrees from LaGrange College, Stetson University College of Law and the National Intelligence University.

Auburn University will live stream the spring commencement ceremonies on the commencement website.

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