Zac Burden, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Truman in 2003. He crossed the stage at Stokes Stadium again in 2009, earning a Master of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education after completing a teaching internship in nearby Novinger, Missouri.
For over 20 years, Zac worked professionally in Residence Life at Truman, including 15 years as the Missouri Hall Director. There he guided the Missouri Hall community through its 2006-2007 renovation and helped establish important values and traditions in the building. In August 2025 he began work as the Director of Citizenship and Conduct where he now helps students and student organizations find their place at Truman and uphold our shared community values on campus and in Kirksville.
Zac is passionate about local community and history. He enjoys leading historical tours of the Truman campus and Kirksville’s neighborhoods. You can now hear his voice as the narrator of the Travel Stories historic tour app for downtown Kirksville. A former Rotarian, Zac served two years as president of the Rotary Club of Kirksville – North Star. He is a previous winner of the Ray Klinginsmith Distinguished Service Awards and the Kirksville Young Professional’s 5 Under 40 Award. He enjoys providing leadership to the Northeast Missouri alumni chapter’s efforts to paint Kirksville purple by placing nearly 250 purple flags along Baltimore Street for important Truman events.
Zac also proudly serves as the Mayor of Kirksville. He was first elected to the City Council in 2019 and has been selected by the council each year since to serve as mayor. He enjoys opportunities to celebrate Kirksville and what it means to be a citizen in such a supportive, thriving community.
Part of a thoroughly Bulldog family, Zac’s younger sister is a Truman alum twice over. She serves as a teacher in the Kansas City, Missouri area where she lives with her wife. His parents are proud supporters of Truman as well. His found family is made up of Bulldog alumni here in Kirksville and around the world.
You’re most likely to see Zac around town as he pedals to meetings and activities around Kirksville, including to today’s events.
About the Award:
The Truman State University Alumni Association created the Bulldog Forever Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012 to honor a volunteer leader for exemplary service to the University through the Alumni Association or any of its affiliated organizations. In 2019, the name of the award was changed to the Denise L. Smith Volunteer of the Year Award in honor of the late Denise Smith, who served as the director of alumni relations at Truman for many years.
This award recognizes individuals who have sustained outstanding volunteer service to Truman State University through the Alumni Association and reflects length and depth of service on the part of the recipient.
Each year, one award is given to a member of the Truman Alumni Association who is a current member of a chapter and/or club. The Alumni Association encourages and appreciates the financial support of alumni gifts to the University. However, the Volunteer Award is intended for and elevates the service and time given to the University by our volunteers.
Nomination Criteria:
Have an exemplary record of making a significant contribution of volunteer time, talents, and service to Truman State University, particularly within the past year (July 1 – June 30).
