UVA announced this morning that its Dean of Admission, John Blackburn—known as Jack—will retire one year from now in June 2009. He’s been 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. He is 66 years old.
According to UVA, one of the major accomplishments of Blackburn’s career is his advocacy for increased diversity at UVA. Blackburn has also spoken at many national conferences and has been quoted widely in both the national media (as in this Washington Post story about the end of early-decision applications) and locally, as in this C-VILLE story where he explains the university’s "need-conscious" approach to admitting some low-income students.
Jack Blackburn will end a three-decade UVA career next June.