Dr. Wayne Blansett, vice president of Student Affairs, recently announced his retirement at the end of the academic calendar following 40 years of service to Delta State University.Over the past four decades, Dr. Wayne Blansett has remained a fixture as one of the most respected leaders at Delta State University. Serving the green and white for nearly half of the institution’s existence, Blansett is officially announcing his retirement at the end of the academic calendar in June of 2015.
Most recently serving as vice president of Student Affairs — 1993 to present — Blansett has been a role model and mentor for countless students in Delta State’s storied history. As he puts it, his job is to improve the total development of students at the university.
“I have very mixed emotions with this announcement,” said Blansett. “I started working at Delta State when I was 23-years-old. I’ve had a long and rewarding career, and I will certainly miss the interactions with students, staff and the entire Delta State family.
“Delta State has been my life, and there will be some sad moments when I step away,” he added. “There’s nothing that could replace the interactions I’ve had with the students. This has been a lifelong journey. There’s something very special about this place, and I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it.”
Blansett’s goal with Student Affairs has always been to guide the student body to becoming better citizens. “It’s about developing character people, making good decisions, using good judgment and having the right attitude about diversity,” he said. “That’s what epitomizes what a Delta State graduate is — a good citizen.”
Seeing the students grow and develop into mature young adults ready for the real world has been Blansett’s favorite part of the job. Preparing students for life outside the classroom has always been his biggest passion.
The true leader is also a proud alumnus of Delta State, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973, Master of Education in Counseling in 1974 and a Doctorate of Education in Professional Studies in 1988.
Shortly after his graduate studies, Blansett began working for his alma mater as the assistant Dean of Students from 1975-1980. He then progressed as the director of Student Activities (1980-1984), associate dean of Student Affairs (1984-1990), and dean of Student Affairs (1990-1993).
Even today as his career comes to a close, and throughout his years of passionate commitment, Blansett has been considered critical to Delta State’s foundational leadership.
He has had the distinction of working with six of the university’s eight presidents, truly indicating the role he has played in helping Delta State flourish. He has also served on the President’s Cabinet for 24 years.
President William N. LaForge provided campus a bittersweet announcement of the retirement on Tuesday.
“I say bitter because it is going to be very difficult to say a professional farewell to someone who has given his entire career to this university and who has had such an enormous and positive impact on thousands of students during his 40 years of service in the student affairs arena,” said LaForge. “But, it is also sweet because he will embark upon a much-deserved and well-earned retirement that will allow us all to celebrate with him as he caps off a truly remarkable run at Delta State.”
LaForge indicated there would be several appropriate opportunities over the next several months to honor Blansett and pay tribute to his outstanding service to the Delta State family.
“But, I will start today by applauding his commitment and devotion to this university as evidenced by his coming to Delta State as a student in the fall of 1969 and never leaving,” added LaForge. “No one bleeds ‘Green and White’ more than Wayne Blansett.”
With 40 years on his Delta State résumé, summarizing Blansett’s contributions separate from his job title is a difficult task. Just some of these include: Student Organizations Committee; Greek Organizations Committee; Wellness Committee; Union Advisory Board; Orientation Committee; 75th Anniversary Committee — chairman; BPAC Advisory Board; Healthy Campus Initiative — Advisory Board; and chairman — H.L. Nowell Outstanding Staff Committee.
He has also served memberships with: Omicron Delta Kappa — faculty advisor; Kappa Delta Pi; Phi Delta Kappa; DSU Student Hall of Fame; DSU Alumni Hall of Fame and Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity.
During his tenure, Blansett has thoroughly served Cleveland and Bolivar County with his involvement in the Cleveland Noon Lions Club, the United Way, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Cleveland School District School Board, Delta Aquatic Club, Boy Scouts of America, Cleveland Planning Commission, and as a deacon and elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
His wife, Diane Woods Blansett, was a member of the Delta State Department of Mathematics for 21 years and served eight as the director of Academic Support Services. They have two children and three grandchildren.
Blansett, who said it’s difficult to talk about his lengthy list of career accomplishments, will forever miss the spirit of Delta State — a spirit that has been essential in his own development.
“Those of who have been here for a while speak about the Delta State spirit being part of the Delta State family,” said Blansett. “It’s hard to put into words, but there’s something about a spirit that’s here. It’s special, we believe in it, and it’s extremely important.”
Continue to follow Delta State’s daily news feed at www.deltastate.edu for more information on Blansett’s retirement recognition.
