BRIGADIER GENERAL McBURNETTE
Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Voris McBurnette currently serves as the President and Superintendent of the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell, New Mexico. A retired senior officer in the United States Army, his distinguished military career began in 1988 as an enlisted soldier and evolved through decades of service in command and leadership roles both domestically and overseas, including deployment in Iraq.
Dr. McBurnette is also a dedicated educator and historian. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from North Carolina State University, in addition to multiple master’s degrees in history and education. A licensed professional educator, his credentials span social studies instruction, school principalship, and district-level superintendency.
“Service to the nation is deeply rooted in my family’s history – it was a powerful example that I could both see and feel growing up. That legacy inspired my own path of military and public service,” Dr. McBurnette says. “Equally important to me has always been a strong commitment to education, both as a lifelong learner and as an advocate for others. I believe that education is the foundation of effective leadership, and it continues to be a driving force behind my professional vision and approach.”
Dr. McBurnette is at the forefront of NMMl’s ongoing progress in several key areas. The expansion into middle school education reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to serving the needs of the community. Recognizing the growing demands and disparities between local and national academic standards, NMMI has strategically extended its world-class educational offerings to younger learners.
Additionally, NMMI is proactively shaping the future of the school through its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. Anchored in three primary Lines of Effort – investing in cadet, alumni, and community success; advancing the Institute through academics, athletics, and facilities; and cultivating faculty and staff through governance, professional development, and training – this plan reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence and growth.
“What continues to drive me is the knowledge that I am making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” Dr. McBurnette says. “Whether through service, leadership, or education, the ability to positively influence and support the growth of individuals and communities gives lasting purpose to my work.”
BRIGADIER GENERAL McBURNETTE
Brigadier General Voris W. McBurnette, Ed.D. has served as a leader in higher, secondary, and military education for over three decades. He most recently served as Division Commander of the 100th Division (Leader Development), U.S. Army Reserve. In this capacity, he led more than 4,000 soldiers and civilians by providing education, training, and mentorship to future Army leaders. This also encompassed the delivery of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Professional Military Education, Intermediate Level Education, and three NonCommissioned Officer Academies.
His professional military experience includes his service as the 36th Commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) which is a part of the National Defense University. As Commandant, he provided executive leadership, oversight, direction, and management of the programs, initiatives, operations, and resources not only for the JFSC, but inclusive for the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS), the Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS), and the Joint Command and Control Information Operations School (JC2IOS).
McBurnette’s previous assignments include serving as Brigade Commander, U.S. Army Pacific Support Unit, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, and providing specialized support augmenting the United States Army in the Pacific Area of Operations. Prior to that, he served as the Director of the Center for Applied Strategic Learning (CASL) where he provided educational war gaming and experiential learning products and events for the five NDU colleges.
Having been a professional teacher and administrator early in his career, Mc Burnette is uniquely qualified for his leadership roles in education, military service, and beyond. He currently holds certifications as a social studies educator, in grades 6-9, school principal, in grades K – 12, and Superintendent of Schools in North Carolina. He has taught social studies in North Carolina where he was part of the administrative team of W.G. Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school was named the Ronald E. Simpson Magnet School of the Year (2000).
General McBurnette served as a principal and district-level leader (Chief Academic Officer) in the North Carolina school system. Chief among his responsibilities were his leadership of initiatives in curriculum and instruction, Title 1 educational requirements, and Career and Technical Education for the school district. This work included all grants, new technology initiatives, and compliance issues. He also developed plans for connecting the school programs with the community while creating activities for the professional growth of the district/school staff.
General McBurnette’s educational qualifications correspond to and support his personal history. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Supervision, and multiple master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, Adult Education, Educational Administration, and History. His bachelor’s degree is in History. He is also a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College.
Brigadier General McBurnette and his wife Nikki have one adult son.
