Clark State College has renamed its Library Resource Center as the Blondin Administrative Center in honor of President Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., recognizing her leadership and contributions to the college, its students, and the communities it serves.
The following information is from a press release issued by Clark State College:
“Clark State College has renamed its Library Resource Center as the Blondin Administrative Center in honor of President Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., recognizing her transformative leadership and lasting contributions to the college, its students and the communities it serves.
Blondin became Clark State’s fifth president in July 2013 and will conclude 13 years of service in the role when she retires on June 30.
The Blondin Administrative Center serves as a central hub of campus operations as it houses the offices for the president, the provost, marketing, institutional research and data, institutional effectiveness, technology and the Clark State Foundation, as well as classrooms and community meeting spaces.
‘Dr. Blondin’s influence can be seen across every aspect of Clark State, from the growth of our academic programs and facilities to the opportunities available to our students and the partnerships that strengthen our communities,’ said Sharon Evans, chair of the Clark State Board of Trustees. ‘The Blondin Administrative Center stands as a lasting tribute to a leader whose vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to student success have transformed this college and have impacted countless lives throughout her career.’
During Blondin’s tenure, the college invested more than $40 million in technology and infrastructure improvements, increased its federal and state grants portfolio by nearly $25 million and grew the Clark State Foundation from $13 million to more than $30 million in assets.
The foundation’s growth included the launch of the Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund, an endowment designed to help students overcome financial emergencies and stay on track toward graduation.
The college also expanded its academic offerings, adding bachelor’s degree programs in manufacturing technology management, web development and design, addiction and integrated treatment studies and nursing. Workforce-focused programs were introduced in areas including modeling and simulation, laser material processing, cybersecurity, semiconductor technology, precision agriculture and diagnostic medical sonography.
Blondin also led the expansion of Clark State’s presence in Beavercreek, Bellefontaine and Xenia; developed and implemented four strategic plans; strengthened partnerships with employers and community organizations throughout the region; and helped establish the college as a national leader in student success, workforce development and innovation.
She also founded and led the nationally recognized SOAR (Serving Our Own Through Advancement and Retention) mentoring program, which focuses on developing future leaders in student success.
Among her most recent accomplishments was authoring the children’s book, ‘What Will I Be Someday? Maybe President! A Day of Possibility at Clark State College,’ inspired by a young girl from the Clark State community and centered on the belief that every child can dream big and achieve their goals.
Blondin has also served in leadership roles with numerous state and national organizations and has received several honors for her contributions to higher education, including:
• 2018 – CEO/Board Relations Award from the American Association of Community Colleges
• 2023 – National Community College CEO Award from the Association of Community College Trustees
• 2024 – Dayton Business Journal Woman Who Means Business
• 2026 – Named to the Dayton Business Journal Power 100 list‘My accomplishments at Clark State would not have been 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 Clark State,’ Blondin said. ‘I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have had to lead this institution and to work alongside so many dedicated people. Helping students achieve their goals and dreams has been the crowning achievement of my career.’
The college said the Blondin Administrative Center will serve as a lasting reminder of a presidency that reshaped Clark State while expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the institution’s impact throughout the region.”
