From Washington University Athletics

Washington University in St. Louis Associate Athletic Director for Varsity Programs and Senior Woman Administrator Sara Burton has been named the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Administration at the University of Illinois. 

The announcement was made Wednesday by U of I Director of Athletics Josh Whitman.

"Washington University has been an exceptional place to work. The people here genuinely care about one another and the work they do on behalf of our students. I have great appreciation and respect for each member of this community that I have come to know," Burton said. "I will carry the lessons I have learned here and the relationships forged with me into my next life chapter. I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me to serve our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, all of whom work tirelessly to make an impact on their community while achieving in the classroom and competing on a national stage with integrity and intention."

Burton, who spent three at WashU, supervised a collection of sports, including track and field/cross country, golf, women's tennis and softball, along with a variety of support functions. She was the campus liaison on a number of fronts, including academics, diversity and inclusivity, student-athlete wellness and student body outreach and promotions.

"Sara has been a true professional making a daily impact in the lives of our scholar-champions and a role model for our coaching staffs. Our loss is Illinois' student-athlete community's gain," said WashU Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama.

A national search for a Senior Associate AD, SWA/Internal Operations & Administration will start immediately.