Karen Burchfield is a Fort Worth native who attended Texas Wesleyan University from 1980-1984. Karen was born and grew up in Fort Worth, attending Fort Worth Public schools, studying piano in the Ruth Bunch studio near Poly Elementary and singing with the Texas Girls’ choir under the direction of Shirley Carter.  

Karen met her husband Michael at Texas Wesleyan, both business majors who shared a love of music. Together they studied in the school of business, sang in the Wesleyan singers, performed in the vocal jazz ensemble together and were in the chorus of Wesleyan musical productions. 

Following graduation from Wesleyan, Karen and Michael both enjoyed careers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The international business degree from Wesleyan opened doors for Karen in the rail industry where she has worked and thrived for 30 years.

Karen serves on the President’s Advisory Board for Texas Wesleyan and on the board of directors for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Karen and Michael remain committed to Texas Wesleyan, to philanthropic efforts in Tarrant county, to music and to giving others an opportunity for education through scholarships. 

The Burchfields have a home in Southlake, TX and two young-adult children, Aaron and Audrey. They continue to share their love of music and look for opportunities to invest in the talent of the future. Karen and Michael believe in the power of education to lift every generation to its fullest potential, and in the unifying power of music to bring people of diverse backgrounds together in order to make a positive difference. 

Join us in honoring Karen at the 2022 Alumni Medal Dinner on Friday, November 4. 

About the Alumni Medal Dinner

Each year, Texas Wesleyan University honors distinguished alumni and friends. Their achievements and contributions are amazing reflections of the University, and we are honored to celebrate and recognize them each year.

The Alumni Medal Dinner is at the Martin University Center on campus on Friday, Nov. 4. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

The event is open to all alumni, friends and faculty and staff, and tickets are $65 per person. Register online by Oct. 31.

For questions, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 817-531-6548 or alumni@txwes.edu.