Marcus H Burgess

Marcus H. Burgess is a distinguished higher education executive, advancement strategist, and transformational leader with more than two decades of experience in university leadership, institutional advancement, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. He currently serves as Senior Vice President for Enterprise Partnerships and Innovation at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where he leads strategic collaborations focused on corporate engagement, sponsored research, workforce development, innovation, and student opportunity.

Prior to joining FAMU, Dr. Burgess served as Interim President of Saint Augustine’s University, where he guided the institution through financial recovery and accreditation restoration efforts. Throughout his career, he has also served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Claflin University, Florida Memorial University, and Voorhees University, as well as Campaign Executive Director at York Technical College.

A nationally respected advancement professional, Burgess has helped generate more than $124 million in philanthropic support for higher education institutions, including raising $67 million during a capital campaign quiet phase and leading one of the nation’s highest alumni giving participation programs among HBCUs. He is widely recognized for building transformative corporate and foundation partnerships, strengthening alumni engagement, and advancing institutional sustainability and growth.

Burgess earned a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from The Citadel, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Claflin University.

Burgess is one of five boys born to Mack and Janie Burgess, both educators and proud graduates of Claflin University. He is married to Mrs. Leandra Haye-Burgess, and together they are the proud parents of three children: Marcus II, Mariana, and Tyler.

An active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Burgess enjoys cooking, grilling, deer hunting, and golfing. His leadership philosophy is grounded in faith, service, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities.