Jon Burch to Lead Trevecca Athletics in July 2027

The university veteran will take over as athletic director as Mark Elliott retires.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a stone university athletic complex, representing institutional leadership transition. — Trevecca Nazarene University has appointed long-time faculty representative Jon Burch to serve as its 14th athletic director beginning in July 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Trevecca Nazarene University will appoint Jon Burch as its 14th athletic director on July 1, 2027. He succeeds Mark Elliott, who is retiring after leading the department for 16 years.

Why it matters

The transition marks a change in leadership for the Nashville institution after nearly two decades of continuity under Elliott. Burch brings internal experience from his 26-year teaching career at the university to the role.

Jon Burch marks the 14th person to hold the athletic director position at the university. He previously earned a doctorate in education from the school in 2003.

The players

Jon Burch

He is the incoming 14th athletic director of Trevecca Nazarene University and a longtime faculty member.

Mark Elliott

He is the outgoing athletic director who served the university for 16 years.

Dan Boone

He serves as the president of Trevecca Nazarene University.

The details

University president Dan Boone announced the leadership change on October 26, 2026. Burch, who currently serves as the NCAA faculty athletics representative, will collaborate with Elliott until the retirement date.

2003: Jon Burch earned a doctorate in education.
October 26, 2026: University president announced Jon Burch as athletic director.
July 1, 2027: Jon Burch begins term as athletic director.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition maintains institutional stability by elevating a long-serving faculty member to replace a legacy athletic director. It aligns with broader trends in higher education where universities prioritize internal candidates to preserve existing cultural and operational frameworks.

The change in athletic leadership will not immediately impact students or local stakeholders until the term begins in 2027. Following the official transition, the university's approach to NCAA representation and department management will be overseen by Burch.

The takeaway

University transitions often rely on internal candidates to maintain consistent management goals over long periods. Prospective leaders in higher education can benefit from building multi-decade relationships within their respective organizations.