Edgar Burnett worked at the University of Nebraska as a professor of Animal Husbandry from 1899 to 1938.  During his time the the university Burnett worked closely with Charles Bessey.  Burnett was well respected by his colleagues and quickly worked his way up the university ladder.  He held various titles throughout his professorship: Associate Dean of the Industrial College, Dean of Agriculture, and eventually, Chancellor.  Burnett became the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska in 1927 after the resignation of Samuel Avery. 

Burnett's career at the university was plagued by economic hardship, which in turn caused Burnett's Chancellorship to be difficult.  Burnett's reign as chancellor wasn't cushioned by financial stability, so much of his time at chancellor was spent campaining for funds.  The public, having become accustomed to eloquent and outwardly vivacious chancellors, viewed Burnett as "practical but uninspiring", perhaps because he was not as care-free as his predecessors.  Burnett's work in the university was more centered around students than it was around the university's image.  Though Burnett didn't have quite the community-wide reverence of those before him, he was loved by students for his dedication to securing funds for student needs, like a dormitory for women, during the economic downfall of the Great Depression.  Burnett resigned from chancellorship in 1938, and Burnett Hall was built in his honor to house the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska (Burnett).