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\u2019s existence, Blansett is officially announcing his retirement at the end of the academic calendar in June of 2015.<\/p>\n
Most recently serving as vice president of Student Affairs \u2014 1993 to present \u2014 Blansett has been a role model and mentor for countless students in Delta State\u2019s storied history. As he puts it, his job is to improve the total development of students at the university.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have very mixed emotions with this announcement,\u201d said Blansett. \u201cI started working at Delta State when I was 23-years-old. I\u2019ve had a long and rewarding career, and I will certainly miss the interactions with students, staff and the entire Delta State family.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelta State has been my life, and there will be some sad moments when I step away,\u201d he added. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing that could replace the interactions I\u2019ve had with the students. This has been a lifelong journey. There\u2019s something very special about this place, and I\u2019ve been fortunate to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blansett\u2019s goal with Student Affairs has always been to guide the student body to becoming better citizens. \u201cIt\u2019s about developing character people, making good decisions, using good judgment and having the right attitude about diversity,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s what epitomizes what a Delta State graduate is \u2014 a good citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeing the students grow and develop into mature young adults ready for the real world has been Blansett\u2019s favorite part of the job. Preparing students for life outside the classroom has always been his biggest passion.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
Even today as his career comes to a close, and throughout his years of passionate commitment, Blansett has been considered critical to Delta State\u2019s foundational leadership.<\/p>\n
He has had the distinction of working with six of the university\u2019s eight presidents, truly indicating the role he has played in helping Delta State flourish. He has also served on the President\u2019s Cabinet for 24 years.<\/p>\n
President William N. LaForge provided campus a bittersweet announcement of the retirement on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d said LaForge. \u201cBut, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, 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,\u201d added LaForge. \u201cNo one bleeds \u2018Green and White\u2019 more than Wayne Blansett.\u201d<\/p>\n
With 40 years on his Delta State r\u00e9sum\u00e9, summarizing Blansett\u2019s 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 \u2014 chairman; BPAC Advisory Board; Healthy Campus Initiative \u2014 Advisory Board; and chairman \u2014 H.L. Nowell Outstanding Staff Committee.<\/p>\n
He has also served memberships with: Omicron Delta Kappa \u2014 faculty advisor; Kappa Delta Pi; Phi Delta Kappa; DSU Student Hall of Fame; DSU Alumni Hall of Fame and Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Blansett, who said it\u2019s difficult to talk about his lengthy list of career accomplishments, will forever miss the spirit of Delta State \u2014 a spirit that has been essential in his own development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose of who have been here for a while speak about the Delta State spirit being part of the Delta State family,\u201d said Blansett. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to put into words, but there\u2019s something about a spirit that\u2019s here. It\u2019s special, we believe in it, and it\u2019s extremely important.\u201d<\/p>\n