Clemson Libraries is mourning the passing of University Records Officer Brenda Burk, who worked for the Libraries for more than 11 years. Burk passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 57.
Burk joined the Libraries in 2014 as the head of Special Collections and Archives. She moved into the role of University Records Officer in 2023. A Wisconsin native, Burk earned a B.A. in history and a M.A. in library and information science, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Burk’s career in records management and archives spanned 31 years, in a variety of roles at Clemson, Indiana University, and the Wisconsin Historical Society. She was active in her service to the archival profession, serving as president of the South Carolina Archives Association and in a variety of roles with the Society of American Archivists and the Palmetto Archives Libraries Museums Council on Preservation, among many others.
In her time at Clemson, Burk was a graduate of the President’s Leadership Institute. She served for six years on the Athletic Advisory Council, building relationships that resulted in Clemson Athletics entrusting its historic records and photographs to Special Collections and Archives.
Clemson Libraries Dean Chris Cox credits Burk for setting the collections areas that Special Collections and Archives focuses on today. She advocated for the funding and installation of the Sapphire Halon fire suppression system in the Special Collections and Archives vault, and she developed the plans for an oral history collection and the need for a position to oversee it. She also negotiated for the recent acquisition of the Greenville News and Anderson Independent-Mail photo morgue collections.
“Brenda was passionate about local history and created many relationships across campus and within the local community. She was dedicated to her work, and she will be greatly missed,” said Cox.
“I had the opportunity to not only work with Brenda at Clemson but also serve with her on the South Carolina Archival Association Board,” said Nick Richbell, head of Special Collections and Archives. “I saw first-hand Brenda’s passion for history, not only locally but statewide, and her presence is already sorely missed. We have sadly lost a great supporter of heritage in our community.”
In recognition of her years of service and impact at Clemson, Burk will be awarded posthumous Emeritus status at Clemson University.
“I enjoyed getting to know Brenda over the years,” said Ariel Turner, associate dean of collections and discovery. “She was passionate about her work in archives and records management and dedicated to making both accessible for Clemson and the broader South Carolina community. The contributions she made to the field throughout her career were significant, and she will be deeply missed.”
For the state, she served as a governor-appointed member to the South Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) and was an active member helping to secure awards of $80,000 grants to local heritage organizations. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Pendleton Historic Foundation.
Click here to read Burk’s full obituary.
