After earning a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Oklahoma State University, Jordan Burbank wasn’t entirely sure what path to pursue next. She had competed as a soccer player at both higher-education institutions, and her interests ranged from journalism to sports management. Yet, the one thing she knew she loved was connecting with people and telling meaningful stories.
While weighing her options, a fortuitous opportunity arose when A&M–San Antonio began searching for its inaugural annual and athletic giving officer. Burbank landed the position in 2023.
“I went straight from playing soccer to working at the University in development,” said Burbank. “It was my true first career out of college, and I was excited to build something new with our athletics and advancement teams – something that would be the first of its kind at Texas A&M-San Antonio.”
It proved to be the right decision, as her passion for athletics has truly had a meaningful impact. Through her role in University Advancement, Burbank is helping shape A&M-San Antonio’s athletic fundraising efforts, cultivating donor relationships, coordinating scholarships, and creating transformative opportunities for student-athletes.
It was announced today that her hard work has earned recognition with the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD), as she will receive the Jason Galaska Rising Star Award. The highly competitive honor recognizes emerging professionals with one to five years of experience in athletics fundraising. Burbank is the first recipient from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to receive the award.
In June, Burbank will be officially presented with the award at the 2026 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention in Las Vegas.
“Jordan has elevated athletics fundraising at A&M–San Antonio in a remarkably short time,” said Gwen Notestine, vice president for University Advancement. “Her strategic mindset, relationship-building skills, and passion for student-athlete success have strengthened our donor community and created meaningful opportunities for our programs. This national recognition reflects both her talent and the momentum she’s helping build for the future of Jaguar Athletics.”
Founded in 1965, NACDA is the largest association of collegiate athletics administrators, with more than 22,000 members across the United States, Canada and Mexico. NAADD, an affiliated association of NACDA, promotes collaboration and professional development among collegiate fundraising professionals.
With this recognition, Burbank will be added to the list of NAADD Awardee recipients along with many other notable winners. The recognition is especially notable given the national scope of the award, with candidates representing NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA institutions across the country.
“Jordan’s experience as a former Division I soccer player and graduate of Texas A&M and Oklahoma State University provides her with unique insight into the intersection of academics, athletics, sponsorship, and philanthropy,” said Dr. Darnell Smith, director of athletics. “I’ve been very impressed with Jordan’s work ethic, leadership, professionalism, and integrity. She has played a truly transformative role in elevating both the University and the Athletics Department’s fundraising success.”
As Texas A&M–San Antonio continues to emerge on the national stage, this recognition represents more than a milestone—it reflects a program beginning to establish itself among some of the most respected names in collegiate athletics. While still a young institution, the University is building something distinct on the South Side of San Antonio—one rooted in opportunity, growth, and belief in what’s possible.
For Burbank, the recognition is not just about the work accomplished, but about the people and purpose behind it. At a University committed to expanding access and opportunity, her efforts reflect a deeper mission—creating pathways for student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field. This moment serves not only as a celebration, but as a catalyst for what’s ahead.