Take Care of Yourself, Each Other, and Our Community: A Conversation with Dean Burgie Howard

In this episode of Yale College Voices, host Darice Corey sits down with Dean Burgwell “Burgie” Howard, Senior Associate Dean of Yale College and Associate Vice President for Student Life. Known for his guiding philosophy—“Take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care of our community”—Dean Howard shares how his New England upbringing, formative summers at camp, and years of leadership across institutions like Dartmouth, Stanford, and Northwestern have shaped his approach to student engagement and belonging at Yale.Throughout the conversation, Dean Howard reflects on programs that have become cornerstones of the Yale College experience, including Safety Net, the First-Year Scholars Program (FSY), and initiatives supporting first-generation and low-income students. He talks about how these efforts remove barriers to participation, foster inclusion, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to fully experience campus life—whether through access to essential resources, mentorship, or the shared joy of community traditions like Family Weekend and The Game.Beyond the policies and programs, listeners get to know the person behind the work. Dean Howard shares stories of inspiration, self-discovery, and the importance of finding balance—whether hiking with his labrador, refereeing high school lacrosse, or attending student performances across campus. His reflections offer an inside look at how care, connection, and community continue to shape Yale College and the students who call it home.Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office Staff Engagement Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow Podcast Guest: Senior Associate Dean of Yale College and Associate Vice President for Student LifeVideo/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio