“My accomplishments at Clark State would not be possible without the insights, expertise and guidance of our outstanding Board of Trustees, our responsive and dedicated staff, our talented faculty and the students who choose to learn and succeed at, and because of, Clark State,” said Blondin. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have had to lead these last 12 years and it is not easy to retire.”
Clark State officials said that during Blondin’s tenure, the college has grown its federal and state grants portfolio by nearly $25 million and its Foundation from $13 million to more than $30 million; and added four baccalaureate degrees including manufacturing technology, web development and a bachelor of science in nursing.
Clark State has broadened its outreach to military and veteran students and their spouses via a 50 percent tuition discount and tailored support services. Clark State has been recognized as the No. 1 “military-friendly small to medium community college in the nation for the past two years.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
Throughout her time, Blondin has made strong relationships with students and employees.
Charmaine Misick, senior academic advisor, said Blondin’s passion for the college’s success is “not only seen, but felt.”
“She encouraged me to never stop growing ... She has even been an inspiration to my daughter who, at 10-years-old, stated she wanted to become the next president of Clark State,” Misick said.
James McGregor, Jr., CEO of McGregor Metal, who partners with the college to provide manufacturing internships, said what he appreciates most is that Blondin always told him “yes” when he asked for help.
“No project or problem was ever too big. Jo answered our calls with a gusto and vigor that yielded immediate and permanent results for our associates at McGregor Metal,” he said. “Certainly, the business community and the employers of Springfield, and beyond, have benefited from Jo’s passionate advocacy and her legacy will endure for many years to come.”
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
Nettie Carter-Smith, director of community relations for Rocking Horse Community Health Center and Clark State Foundation Board member, said Blondin took the communities “by storm” when she arrived.
“Her drive, passion, forward-thinking, professionalism and ability to get the job done catapulted Clark State on the national stage,” she said. “Her unwavering, transparent mission of student success and exemplary higher education have left an indelible mark on Clark State and the wider community.”
Before being president of the college, Blondin served as chancellor, chief academic officer and chief student officer at Arkansas Tech University — Ozark Campus, was a professor of English at Arkansas Tech University, associate professor of English at the University of Arkansas — Fort Smith and faculty associate at Arizona State University.
Along with earning many honors and awards, and serving on numerous organizations, she earned her bachelor of arts in English with a minor in Spanish from Purdue University and her master’s and doctorate in 18th century British Literature from Arizona State University.
“Dr. Blondin has been, and I am sure will continue to be, an absolute powerhouse in higher education. She has amazingly raised the bar of success for Clark State,” said Board of Trustees’ Chair Sharon Evans. “Clark State is all the better as a result of her leadership and she will definitely be missed.”
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
Blondin said she plans to contribute to higher education and stay in Springfield.
“I look forward to contributing to higher education in a consultative capacity in the future and I plan to stay in Springfield, a community that has embraced my family and where I have made some of the best friends a person a could have. My husband, daughter and I love Ohio and this community,” she said.
Clark State will partner with the Association of Governing Boards early this summer for the search process for a new president.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
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