Robert L. Burrus Jr., Esq.
Rector of the Board of Trustees 1998-2002
Robert L. Burrus Jr. received a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Richmond in 1955 and a law degree from Duke University in 1958. He has served the University of Richmond as a trustee since 1992 and received the Trustees’ Distinguished Service Award in 2002. Burrus also received the Alumni of the University of Richmond Award for Distinguished Service in 1998 and the Charles S. Rhyne Award from Duke University, which honors law alumni for significant contributions to public service.
In 2002, the Robert L. Burrus Jr. Scholarship Program for Developing Leaders was established at the University of Richmond by colleagues, friends and family members of Mr. Burrus. The program honors Burrus as a leader of the University, the legal profession and the Richmond community. Currently, the program supports internships for undergraduates in Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies.
Mr. Burrus is a partner and chairman of McGuireWoods LLP. He is a director of CSX Corporation, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and S&K Famous Brands, Inc. Burrus is also a member of the board of visitors of Duke University’s School of Law and a trustee of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. He formerly served as chairman of the Virginia Bar Association’s Corporate Law Committee and as chairman and a corporation law revisor for the Virginia State Bar’s Business Law Section.
A dedicated community volunteer, Mr. Burrus has served as a trustee of the Historic Richmond Foundation, the Richmond Children’s Museum and the Virginia Historical Society as well as director and chairman of Richmond Renaissance, Inc. He also served as chairman of the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia and on the Governor’s Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.