Dr. Ronald D. Burnside, a longtime member of the Presbyterian College faculty whose engaging lectures, high academic standards, and personal kindness shaped generations of students, died Jan. 17 in Bethlehem, Ga. He was 93.
Burnside joined the Presbyterian College faculty in 1963 and taught history for 34 years, serving as both professor and chair of the history department. Known for his ability to bring history to life, he emphasized strong writing skills and critical thinking, helping students understand how the past informs the present and future.
He was named Presbyterian College’s Professor of the Year in 1981 and 1994 and received the college’s Distinguished Service Award in 1987 and again in 1994.
PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson, who joined the college’s faculty in 1997 to fill Burnside’s position in the history department, remembers meeting him for the first time.
“Dr. Ron Burnside warmly welcomed me to the PC community and did everything he could to make sure that my transition to PC was a smooth one,” she said. “The tone he set for the history department was one of supportive collegiality, and I believe that attitude has continued over the years.”
Former students frequently credited Burnside with influencing their academic and professional paths.
Brad Bryant ’75 wrote in a Facebook post that Burnside was “one of the more influential professors in my life,” adding that he worked harder in Burnside’s class than perhaps any other.
Bryant said the emphasis Burnside placed on writing “carried the day in law school,” calling him one of the great teachers for whom he was thankful.
Melissa Adair ’93, also writing on Facebook, recalled Burnside’s distinctive lecturing style, saying he spoke “like a grandfather telling his grandchildren a story.”
She remembered him pacing the front of the classroom, hands in his pockets, rarely using notes, while students hurried to keep up. “To this day, I still bring him up in conversation when I see someone else explain things in his style of lecture,” she wrote.
Dr. Dave Gillespie, a professor emeritus of political scientist and former provost, served alongside Burnside for nearly 20 years.
“PC at the time possessed a small stable of ‘faculty legends,’ most of them probably aware that they lodged there,” he said. “Ron was indisputably one of those legends, though I seriously doubt that he ever thought that thought.”
Later, as Gillespie transitioned from the classroom to a new role as vice president of academic affairs, his regard for Burnside only deepened.
“During my time as vice president, I doubt that PC employed a faculty member who could teach more ably or care for students more fully than Ron Burnside,” he said. “He was a fierce though friendly competitor in ping pong and volleyball. He had a wicked sense of humor. I know that, having found myself the butt of a joke or two originating with him. Ron and Betty have been lovely people, wonderful parents for their daughter and son. Ron loved God and his church, his nation and this college, and his students, colleagues, and friends.”
During my time as vice president, I doubt that PC employed a faculty member who could teach more ably or care for students more fully than Ron Burnside.”
Dr. David Gillespie, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Born May 27, 1932, in Vincennes, Indiana, Burnside served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. During his service, he met his wife, Betty, to whom he was married for 67 years.
Burnside earned his doctorate in history from Indiana University before beginning his career at Presbyterian College. Beyond the classroom, he was a familiar and beloved presence on campus, teaching dance classes such as the foxtrot and swing, competing in ping-pong tournaments and delighting in upsetting younger opponents.
For many, those dance classes became lasting memories. In addition to frequent classes in Springs Student Center, the Burnsides taught couples how to dance at the Laurens YMCA.
“My wife, Marie, and I have a framed photo of our first dance as a married couple – a waltz that wouldn’t have been possible without Ron and Betty Burnside’s expertise and encouragement,” said Hal Milam, marketing and communications specialist at PC. “They hold a very special place in our hearts and we’ll never forget that.”
Burnside was also deeply committed to mental health advocacy, serving on the Laurens Mental Health Board and playing a key role in establishing the area’s first independent housing for individuals with mental health needs. The facility, Burnside Manor, was named in recognition of his leadership and advocacy.
A lover of music, Burnside was known for his near-constant whistling and for playing a wide range of instruments, including the harmonica, cello and dulcimer. He performed with the band Yesterukes and sang alongside his wife in the Broad Street United Methodist Church choir in Clinton and the Laurens County Chorale.
His passion for learning extended overseas. He spent four months in China teaching American history at Beijing University while immersing himself in Chinese culture.
After retiring, Ron and Betty Burnside moved to Martha Franks Retirement Community in Laurens.
Burnside is survived by his wife, Betty; two children, Kimberly Bishop and Timothy Burnside and his wife, Lisa; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Martha Franks Rasor Chapel. Service details will be announced at a later date.
