Burnside honored with ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award
Randy Burnside, PhD, has been selected to receive the 2025 Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to advancing antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) across Southern Illinois University campuses.
Burnside is the director of SIU School of Medicine’s Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program—or MEDPREP—based in Wheeler Hall in Carbondale since 1972. The successful post-baccalaureate feeder program provides a rigorous but highly individualized atmosphere for underrepresented and disadvantaged learners to attain admission into medical or dental school.
He assumed leadership of MEDPREP in 2020, having previously served as director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program and deputy associate provost for academic programs at SIU Carbondale.
“Dr. Burnside’s career has been marked by exemplary advocacy and service in ADEI, leaving an indelible mark on our campus community and beyond,” said Dr. Sheila Caldwell, vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at SIU. “His efforts have not only fostered a more inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals from all backgrounds but have also significantly contributed to advancing faculty and promoting equitable access to education.”
The SIU Board of Trustees celebrated Burnside’s achievements at the board meeting on April 17 at SIU Carbondale’s Student Center Ballroom B, followed by a luncheon in his honor.
Burnside is a first-generation college graduate from rural Mississippi. He joined the Army at 17 to earn money for school, so he closely identifies with the struggles college students face today.
His life’s work has been devoted to closing equity gaps, boosting recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement among diverse faculty, staff and students. Nominators for the ADEI award cited his leadership spanning academia, policy change, organizational guidance (in MEDPREP and as founder and president of the Black Faculty and Staff Council) and community engagement. While serving as deputy associate provost, he helped develop inclusive academic policies across SIU.
Dr. Burnside has published research on DEI, racial politics and equity in public administration, and provided statewide DEI training to faculty, law enforcement and municipal organizations. A nominator said he can “speak the language” in any room—across race, title or status, with diplomacy and humility.
Under his guidance MEDPREP has seen strategic growth. Including new scholarships, updated curricula and stronger student outcomes. Burnside is described as a transformational mentor who invests in students and colleagues long after they’ve left his direct oversight. “His work has fundamentally changed the trajectory of so many students, and his influence extends far beyond the walls of MEDPREP,” said a former learner.
Burnside is celebrated for being supportive, principled and emotionally intelligent—even under pressure or during political tension.
In addition, he was lauded for his warm and generous spirit and “superior grilling skills,” often using food and fellowship to create community with students, peers and friends.
Congratulations, Dr. Burnside!
