Ronald L. Burgess, Jr. ’74 is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General and former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Over a 38-year military career, he played a central role in shaping U.S. defense intelligence, advising senior national leaders and strengthening intelligence support to policymakers, Combatant Commanders, and deployed forces. He later served as Acting Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence and was repeatedly called upon for his expertise on major national security challenges.

After retiring from the Army, Burgess joined Auburn University in 2012 as Senior Counsel for National Security, Cyber Programs, and Military Affairs, and became Executive Vice President in 2018. In that role, he guided university operations, advanced strategic initiatives, and led key federal and state engagements until his retirement in 2023.

His contributions have been recognized through numerous U.S. and international awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, honors from Colombia and Bolivia, the Order of the Star of Romania, and induction into both the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and the Army ROTC National Hall of Fame.

Burgess holds advanced degrees from USC and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, along with multiple honorary doctorates. He and his wife Marta ’75 are lifetime Auburn Alumni Association members and have five children and sixteen grandchildren.