The Burgess Center was endowed in recognition of Reverend Beatrice Burgess. Her distinguished service and commitment to the people of West Virginia are evidenced by her career as a social community organizer, church worker, minister, and lobbyist. "Bea" worked in southern and central West Virginia shortly after President John Kennedy defined the region as having the most "grinding poverty" to be found in the United States. An advocate, feminist, and minister, "Bea" dedicated her life to service to families and communities throughout the mountains and coal fields for the last two decades of her life.