A Wheeling Jesuit University athlete will provide leadership to a national committee that fosters a positive student-athlete image, and strives for student athlete well being.

Megan Burd of the University’s Softball Team has been elected as the Chairperson of the National Collegiate Athletic Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from each conference, representing approximately 60,000-65,000 people.

“We speak to NCAA-SAAC National Make A Wish project and discuss issues pertaining to student athlete well being,” says Burd.
A native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Burd is a junior majoring in elementary education and special education. She assumed her new duties on January 10 and will serve through NCAA Convention 2008.

“It is an honor to chair a committee that has a mission to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes and protects student-athletes welfare," says Burd.

She serves with many organizations on the campus, including coordinating service projects for WJU athletes. She is co-President of the University's Circle K Club. The service projects, coupled with her experiences in the classroom and the softball team, keep her priorities in the right order.

“I have been able to face our challenging academics and participate in very worthwhile service projects. This is characteristic of many students of our university,” says Burd. “Through my years at Wheeling Jesuit, especially based on the service aspect of our culture, I've realized that there is purpose in everything. I've learned to keep this in mind as I make decisions. I think that the University as a whole does a wonderful job of modeling this philosophy in the community.”
She plans to use her degree from Wheeling Jesuit to further her education and to teach special education.

Burd is a 2003 graduate from Greensburg Salem High School. She is the daughter of Dennis and Sue Burd, who reside at 1643 Poplar Street in Greensburg, PA.