President Blondin releases children’s book celebrating student dreams

As she prepares to retire in June after 33 years in higher education, including 13 years as president of Clark State College, Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D. is leaving behind more than a legacy of leadership — she is leaving a story.

That story comes to life in “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, brought to life by a Clark State graduate and rooted in the belief that every child can dream big and achieve their goals.

Set for release in May, the book follows Teri, a curious and confident child who visits Clark State’s campus with her mother, Charmaine Misick, a senior academic advisor. What begins as a simple day quickly becomes something more: a journey of imagination, confidence and possibility. As she explores Clark State labs and classrooms, Teri begins to imagine the many careers she could pursue — each one within reach.

That visit left a lasting impression on both Teri and Blondin, later becoming the foundation for Blondin’s book.

Now a student at Catholic Central High School, Teriana “Teri” Misick played an active role in shaping the book, returning to Clark State to retrace her initial steps and share her perspective to bring authenticity and heart to each page.

“This is definitely the coolest experience I’ve ever had and I couldn’t wait to tell my friends about this opportunity,” Teri Misick said. “Dr. Blondin has inspired me to shoot for the stars and reach for my goals, even if they are really big goals.”

For Teri’s mother, the project captures a moment that has come full circle.

“Her eyes were as big as saucers on her first visit to Clark State as an elementary student. She had a million questions,” said Charmaine Misick. “When Dr. Blondin approached me with the book idea and asked if she could use her experience with Teri as inspiration, I was flattered and at a loss for words. Dr. Blondin is an incredible human being. She is professional, strong, caring and kind. She is an example of true leadership.”

The sentiment and the story reflect what Blondin has championed throughout her career: access, opportunity and the power of education close to home. That belief that also guided her decision to elevate Clark State talent by selecting alumna Cassie Lovelock, a graduate of the college’s graphic design program, as illustrator.

Lovelock collaborated closely with Blondin to visually capture Teri’s curiosity and imagination. Together, they walked Clark State’s campus, translating real spaces into vibrant illustrations.

“I wanted Teri’s childlike wonder to be displayed while also accurately portraying the main characters of the book,” Lovelock said.

For Lovelock, the opportunity represented more than a project, it was proof of what’s possible.

“There is the common stereotype of ‘the starving artist’ and it feels amazing to not only be selected for a project like this, but to change the perception of artists as a whole,” she said.

David Braughler, CEO of Braughler Books who serves as publisher, said the project stood out from the start.

“We look for books with a positive message and this story hit the mark from the very beginning,” Braughler said. “In my eyes, this is a book by an outgoing college president who has spent her tenure opening doors for students of all ages, now reaching down to the very youngest members of her community to tell them that those doors are open for them, too.”

As Blondin prepares to retire, the book serves as a fitting capstone: a collaboration with students, a celebration of their talent and a lasting message that dreams become realities at Clark State.

“I wrote this book about Teri and for Teri, as well as any child who dreams big, because I believe they will accomplish those dreams,” Blondin said. “Anything is possible with higher education and Clark State is such an important place in our region. I want our young people to feel ownership over their futures and know about the opportunities Clark State provides so close to home.”

As part of the book launch, Blondin is providing a free copy of the book to kindergartners and first-graders in Clark County. The book will also be available for purchase at the Clark State bookstore on Leffel Lane.

Blondin will share the story during two elementary school readings. The first will occur at 12 p.m. on May 18 at Catholic Central Elementary and the other will occur at 9 a.m. on May 19 at Lincoln Elementary.

But for Blondin, this book is more than a story.

It is a promise to students, families and the community that their future is within reach and that Clark State College is a place where those dreams can begin.