John Blackburn

John L. Blackburn (born c. 1925 in Missouri - died July 3, 2009) was an administrator at the University of Alabama from 1956 to 1969 and from 1978 to 1990.

Blackburn earned his bachelor's degree from Missouri Valley College and a master's at the University of Colorado. He served in the Army during World War II and returned home to complete a doctorate in higher education at Florida State University in Tallahassee. He began his career as a men's counselor there in 1952.

Blackburn is credited with arranging behind the scenes for the peaceful enrollment of Vivian Malone and James Hood in 1963 despite Governor George Wallace's public "Stand in the schoolhouse door". He was honored for his efforts to broaden the university's service to all Alabamians.

He left to serve as an administrator at the University of Denver, but returned to the position of vice president for educational development, which he held until his retirement.

Alabama's Blackburn Institute which provides mentors to promising students, is named in his honor.

References

• Hubbard, Russell (July 5, 2009) "Former UA administrator John Blackburn has died." Birmingham News