Current Position and Past Experience
Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., became the Interim President of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education in Fort Smith, Arkansas on July 2026. Prior to this this position, Dr. Blondin served as the fifth president of Clark State College from July 1, 2013-June 30, 2026, and was granted the title of President Emerita for her outstanding service. She also held the positions as Chancellor and Professor English, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Student Officer at Arkansas Tech University – Ozark, and Department Chair of English, Communication, and Social Sciences and Associate Professor of English at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

Education, Honors and Achievements
Dr. Blondin holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in English from Arizona State University and Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University majoring in English. She is known nationally for her leadership in strategic planning, workforce development, accreditation, Board and shared governance, financial stewardship, safety preparation, program and technology alignment, and intentional marketing and communication plans for the colleges she has served. At Clark State, Dr. Blondin led the implementation of five successive strategic plans, the development of employee wellness, safety, and mentoring programs, the establishment of four baccalaureate degrees and numerous workforce programs, a reorganization of the campus to increase student success and completion that has resulted in an increase of more than 70% in state funding, secured $30 plus million in state funds for capital and community improvement projects, and received grant funding for Manufacturing, Precision Agriculture, Cybersecurity, Addiction Studies, Mental Health, scholarships, and youth programs totaling more than $26 million. Under her leadership, the Clark State Foundation has grown from $13 million to more than $35 million.

Dr. Blondin is past Chair and member of the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees, a past President (two terms) and Board member of the National Council for Workforce Education, past Chair of the Presidents for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, and past Chair and board member for the Community College Alliance for Agricultural Advancement and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Personal Details and Community Involvement
Dr. Blondin and her husband, Andy Fox, live in Springfield, and have one daughter, Dr. Helena Fox, who is a veterinarian.