Blondin named to Women’s Foundation board

Dr. Jo Blondin, chancellor of Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, has been named as a new board member with The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.

Also joining the board in January 2011 will be Kerri Daniels, executive director, Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation;  Kathy Deck, director, Center for Business and Economic Research; and Esther Silver-Parker, president and CEO, The SilverParker Group and retired senior vice president for corporate affairs, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Blondin has been chancellor of the Ozark Campus since June 2006. Prior to her current position, she served as chief academic officer, chief student officer, English Department chair, and English faculty member.

“As a higher education administrator and professor, I witness firsthand the transformative power of education on the lives of students,” Blondin said in a statement. “I will bring this knowledge and background to the Board, as well as a desire to empower our young women to be courageous, independent, and thoughtful.”

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas is the only not-for-profit, statewide organization with the sole focus of developing the professional, economic and philanthropic potential of Arkansas women and girls by providing the necessary resources, tools and knowledge to reach their full potential.

During its 10 years of existence, the Little Rock-based WFA has awarded more than $180,000 in grants. It administers a statewide program called Girls of Promise for eighth grade girls with programs conducted in Little Rock, Bentonville, El Dorado, Searcy, Jonesboro and Russellville.