Building renamed in honor of retiring president

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 including launching the Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund, a new endowment dedicated to helping students overcome financial emergencies and remain 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. New workforce-focused programs were launched in fields 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 program, a mentoring program to develop future leaders in student success.

Her most recent endeavor included writing “What Will I Be Someday? Maybe President! A Day of Possibility at Clark State College,” a children's book inspired by a young girl from the Clark State community and rooted in the belief that every child can dream big and achieve their goals.

As an advocate for community colleges, Blondin has served in leadership roles with numerous state and national organizations and earned recognition for her contributions to higher education. Her honors include being named the 2023 National Community College CEO by the Association of Community College Trustees, receiving the 2018 CEO/Board Relations Award from the American Association of Community Colleges, being recognized as a 2024 Woman Who Means Business by the Dayton Business Journal, and most recently, being named to the Power 100 list by Dayton Business Journal.

“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 Blondin Administrative Center now serves as a visible reminder of a presidency that reshaped Clark State while expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the college’s impact across the region and beyond.