Dr. Alvin Burstein

Dr. Alvin George Burstein died unexpectedly June 27, 2023 while returning home from his morning walk in Lowes Ferry, near Knoxville, TN. A much-loved man of great intellect and achievement, he was a Professor Emeritus of the University of Tennessee where he headed the clinical psychology training program from 1982-2000. During his career he served in leadership positions on the faculties of several universities throughout the country: the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas Health Science Center, and finally as Professor and Head, Dept. of Psychology, Southeastern Louisiana University. Colleagues have described him as “a kind soul who threw himself into his work with joy and dedication.” Others have said that he was passionate about academia and fiercely advocated for students, as a mentor to colleagues and students alike. In recognition of his dedication to teaching and academic excellence he was given the UTK Chancellor’s Teacher Scholar award, the UTK Psi Chi Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award, and the UTK Panhellenic Council Outstanding Teacher Award. Dr. Burstein taught many doctoral level seminars and directed the dissertations of many doctoral students, mentoring future young psychologists. One of his outstanding traits was his moral integrity. Throughout his life he evidenced the courage of his convictions, standing up for students, colleagues, and his beloved university. He was dedicated, as well, to his patients whom he saw in his part-time -psychoanalytic practice. He served on the faculty of the New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center, was a member of Division 39 of APA, and a member of the Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society. A deep thinker, one colleague said that “it would be impossible to have a conversation with Al that wouldn’t be interesting and engaging. Another said that he brought such energy, inspiration, and fervor for consciousness in those who were fortunate to know him.” He was a “dear mentor and friend.” Dr. Burstein published widely in his field, was active in a large number of professional associations, serving as the Chair of the APA Education and Training Board, on the Committee on Accreditation, and on state-wide professional organizations. He earned the American Board of Professional Psychology Award for Meritorious Service, among others. He served on editorial boards of journals, such as the American Psychologist. He was active in several local clubs: the Irving Club, Smokers, and the Goodeats book club, two things he loved, reading and eating. In his retirement he became a fiction writer and editorial consultant for a major magazine. He held a writers’ critique group called Inklings in which his wife of 45 years also participated. He loved good food, martinis, Cognac, Paris, and a deep discussion. He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is irreplaceable and will dwell forever in the hearts of his close friends and family. He is preceded in death by his father, Harry Burstein, mother, Jenny Gerstein Burstein, sisters Beatrice Marcus, Dorothy, and Ethel and by his son, Gregory Burstein. He is survived by his adoring wife of 45 years, colleague of 52, Sandra Loucks Burstein; son, Daniel James Burstein; and daughter, Jessica Lee Burstein. He has four grandchildren, Sharon Renee Burstein, Christopher Burstein, Daniel Burstein, and Victor Burstein. He is great-grandfather to four. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 11th beginning at 10:00am at Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. Online condolences may be extended at rosefuneraltn.com.

Tributes

Dr. Alvin Burstein

March 31, 1931 - June 27, 2023