We learned yesterday of the passing of Dr. John L. Blackburn of the University of Alabama, University of Denver, and former President of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. With his passing, a chapter in history continues to fade from live memory.
Dr. Blackburn, as some may not know, was Dean of Men at the University of Alabama during the time of the infamous "stand in the school house door". Through his work and the foresight or I guess you could say tenacity of a number of the student leaders of the time, no student injuries, etc. etc. occurred during that time frame.
I first met Dr. Blackburn during March 2003 at the NASPA conference in Denver. I met him and got to know who he was, and in a span of about 30 minutes, was asked, oh yeah, by the way, can you accept an award on his behalf? Keep in mind too, this was my first ever NASPA conference too. A little intimidating but an honor none the less.
Over the course of the next three years I had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Blackburn on several occasions as he made his home in Tuscaloosa. Each time, was an education in manner, decorum, leadership, any number of qualities. Believe me, you were crazy if you didn't try and soak up everything humanly possible. That of course, is what I sought to do.
The last interaction that I had with him was roughly a year ago, when he supported our efforts to have Dr. Kathleen Cramer from Alabama named a NASPA Pillar of the Profession. Yet again, he showed his leadership by aiding with us and supporting a truly worthy individual.
Students of higher education are at a loss as of yesterday, administrators or at a loss, the entire community of education is at a loss. This repository of experience is now gone, we must continue to learn from the record which he has left us.
Godspeed Dr. Blackburn, you are an educator for the ages and have earned your place in history, in addition to your rest.
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