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Dr. Buriak’s email is buriak@roanoke.edu
How long have you been at Roanoke College?
39 years
What do you teach here?
I am the athletic training program director and teach courses in Therapeutic Exercise, Therapeutic Modalities, Introduction to Emergency Care and a few activity courses within the Health and Human Performance Department
Where did you go to school?
I went to Lock Haven State College in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education with a specialization in Athletic Training and completed a Master’s Degree in Health Education at the University of Illinois. I am licensed by the Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions) to practice Athletic Training in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What do you like about Roanoke College?
The size of the College allows us to have relatively small classes where we get to know our students well. I like the sense of community at Roanoke College where relationships can be formed throughout the years.
What do you do in HPAG?
My primary responsibility is to advise students in their pursuit of physical therapy, occupational therapy or athletic training.
Why should students engage with HPAG?
HPAG offers guidance to students for any of the health professional schools. Advisors are responsible for their specialty areas to give advice to students in pursuit of their careers.
What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I love water activities. My wife and I live at Smith Mountain Lake and enjoy boating, swimming, wakeboarding and waterskiing. We have two grown children who live in Southern California, and a black lab who loves living at the lake. Our son graduated from Roanoke College and our daughter graduated from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania.
What advice would you like to give to new and current students?
Take advantage of the resources available to you. Meet with your advisor regularly for advice and to make sure you are on track for graduation. Get involved in organizations (especially HealthPAG) as time allows. Show your professors that you are motivated and interested by attending class regularly, completing assignments on time and participating in class discussion.