Mount Ayr, Iowa
Denver, Colorado
Northwest Foundation Board Immediate Past President
Board member since 2014
Bob is retired after spending his career working in higher education and industry. He graduated from Northwest in 1970. He earned a master’s degree from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. For 15 years Bob served in various roles in student affairs, culminating as the dean of students at the University of Denver. In 1996, he partnered with a small team to launch Cardtronics, Ltd and served as executive vice president and national accounts manager until 2013. Today, Cardtronics is a public company owning and operating ATMs in North America and Europe. Bob has served on various boards and foundations, including the National Order of Omega, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Denver and Junior Achievement of Metro Denver. He lives in Denver, Colorado, is married to Seal Seykora Burrell and has one son Robert Roe Burrell.
Why are you "forever green"?
"My career path took me away from the Midwest for over 30 years. After all that time, when I reconnected to Northwest through friends and the Foundation, I was astounded at the instant connection I felt to the University and to the people. I have never been around an organization where the students, staff and faculty share such a strong bond and commitment to success. Serving on the Foundation has been the most satisfying experience of my volunteer career. The singular focus on supporting Northwest is very powerful. The team has one focus, support and grow the financial strength of Northwest. It is very important for the University to continue to serve a constituency that I feel such a common bond with. I want to ensure that students from small towns like Mt. Ayr, Iowa, will always have a welcoming place at Northwest Missouri State."