On the day America welcomed a new President, UVA lost one of its beloved figures. Dean of Admissions John Blackburn—known as Jack— lost his battle against cancer last night. He was 67.
Blackburn was set to retire in June of this year.
He was the University’s longest-serving admissions dean, having held the position since 1985. Blackburn was also an associate dean of admissions for six years before taking the reins of the admissions office.
Blackburn will be remembered as an avid advocate for increased diversity at UVA.
In October, Blackburn was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Award, the highest honor bestowed upon members of the University community.
He was honored for his efforts to strengthen financial aid efforts at the University. Most notably, he ended early-decision admissions, because it would have given more affluent students an advantage over students who needed to know their financial aid opportunities.
Just last week, friends and colleagues donated more than $1.5 million in a scholarship fund to honor Blackburn.
UPDATE: A memorial service will be held this Saturday, January 24, at 11am at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 190 Rugby Road. A reception will follow at Alumni Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the John A. Blackburn
Endowed Scholarship for AccessUVa at: U.Va. Office of Development and Public Affairs, Attn: Gift Accounting, PO Box 400807, Charlottesville, VA 22904; or
the Jack and Betty Blackburn Endowed Jefferson Scholarship, Jefferson
Scholars Foundation, PO Box 400891, Charlottesville, VA 22904; or
the Westminster Church Endowment Funds, PO Box 3365, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Admissions Dean John "Jack" Blackburn passed away last night. He was the longest-serving Dean at UVA.
