Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., received 2024 Women Who Mean Business award.
The Dayton Business Journal has named Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State College president, a recipient of a 2024 Women Who Mean Business Award for her leadership, professional achievements, community service and entrepreneurial skills.
"I am incredibly proud to congratulate Dr. Blondin on being honored with the 2024 Women Who Mean Business Award,” said Sharon Evans, vice chair of the Clark State College Board of Trustees. “This recognition is a testament to her outstanding leadership, dedication to the development of our community, and innovative contributions to higher education and our workforce. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have not only advanced our college, but have also inspired countless others. We are fortunate to have such a visionary leader guiding our institution."
Blondin has been at the helm of Clark State since July 2013, marking her as the fifth president in the college’s history. Under her leadership of 260 full-time and 597 part-time employees, she has led the development and implementation of three strategic plans, a campus reorganization and three baccalaureate degree programs including the innovative bachelor of applied science in addiction and integrated treatment studies program, blending social work with mental health and addiction training.
Over her tenure, Clark State has been named the number one military-friendly and number one military spouse-friendly community college in the nation. She also partnered with the Global Impact STEM Academy to build a new school on Clark State’s Springfield campus and obtained $1 million for a new program to support defense and national security work. Her advocacy has resulted in more than $20 million in state capital support for Clark State, and more than $20 million in grants overall.
With 85 percent of Clark State graduates staying in the region to work and live, Blondin is also an advocate for the local workforce and has championed programs to support current and developing business needs. Under her direction, Clark State has coordinated with Jobs Ohio and the Ohio Association of Community Colleges to be responsive in meeting local workforce demands, including those created by business development of Intel and Honda. Most recently, her efforts can be seen in the opening of the City of Springfield Fire Station which now houses Clark State’s Fire Training Academy, making Clark State the only community college in the nation to house student labs in a working fire station.
“I'm deeply honored to receive the 2024 Women Who Mean Business Award. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, supportive community and the inspiring students we serve every day,” said Blondin. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and work alongside such dedicated individuals who share a commitment to excellence, innovation and service. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for our college and the communities we impact."
Prior to joining Clark State, Blondin served as the chief student officer, then chief academic officer, and most recently, chancellor, of the Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus. She also served as a professor of English at Arkansas Tech University and has taught composition, literature and professional writing courses.
Her honors and awards include being named receiving the 2023 Dayton Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in Business, the 2022 Women’s Partnership Fund of Clark County Extraordinary Women Award and the 2021 Dayton Business Journal Outstanding Diversity Champion Award. Named one of Dayton’s Most Influential Women nine times, she also serves as a Board member for the Strategic Council on Higher Education, United Way, Dayton Development Coalition, Rocking Horse Community Health Center, Higher Learning Commission, Community College Alliance for Agricultural Advancement and many others.
Blondin earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, and both her master’s and doctorate in English from Arizona State University.