John A. "Jack" Blackburn Awardalt

The John A. "Jack" Blackburn Award for Ethics in College Admission was established by the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) in 2010 to honor the late Jack Blackburn, long-time Dean of Admission at the University of Virginia. Throughout his career, Jack served as an admirable role model promoting the highest ethical standards, integrity in our profession and equity in access to higher education. This award recognizes a member of our profession who exemplifies the qualities that made Jack Blackburn revered by his peers.

Selection Process:

A recipient will be selected each year if there is a qualified candidate. The recipient will be recognized at the annual PCACAC Conference. Criteria will include:

  • Commitment to the high ethical standards of college admission through sustained active involvement in  the profession;
  • Dedication to promoting equal access to higher education for all students

Photo by Dan Addison 

Recipients                                                                                                                                             :

2011: Shirley Bloomquist, Independent Educational Consultant (VA)

2012: To be selected

Membership in PCACAC is not a criterion for selection but consideration will be given to professionals in the PCACAC region.

The recipient will receive an engraved plaque to keep permanently. In addition, for one year, the recipient will keep the Blackburn Award, a perpetual plaque engraved and embossed with the PCACAC logo, listing the names of all recipients.

The selection committee shall be comprised of the members of the PCACAC Past Presidents' Committee who in consultation with the past presidents of PCACAC will make recommendation(s) to the PCACAC Nominating Committee.

PCACAC members are invited to nominate a colleague. Nomination form: John A. Blackburn Award. 

Nomination deadline is February 10, 2012, 5 pm.

For questions or more information, contact Sue Rexford, Chair of the Past Presidents' Committee.