Outstanding Alumni – Joy Blanchard

JOY BLANCHARD (PhD, 2008) is an assistant professor of higher education at Louisiana State University. Prior to joining the LSU faculty in August 2015, she spent five years on the faculty at Florida International University. Joy’s research focuses mainly on the intersection of higher education and the law, particularly as it relates to negligence liability for student welfare and safety, intercollegiate athletics, and academic freedom and faculty rights. In addition to her doctorate from IHE, she has a master’s in higher education from Florida State University, and a bachelor’s with honors from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Education Law Association.

What are you currently working on (i.e. research, major projects, etc.)?

I have turned my attention most recently to intercollegiate athletics, considering the many important and historical changes occurring both organizationally and legally within the NCAA. Right now I am wrapping up data collection for a study examining whether “athletic culture” impacts rates of alcohol and sexual assault on college campuses. Prior to that, I wrote a piece arguing that the College Football Playoff violates antitrust law. The dissertation I conducted at IHE examined institutional liability for substance abuse and mental health issues. I still study liability, but have expanded my focus to include sexual assault.

In what ways does your IHE training apply to your work?

For me the adage “the more you know, the more you know you don’t know” definitely applies. Graduation was just the beginning of my academic maturation, and I am constantly trying to expand my knowledge of research methods. My training at IHE encouraged me to draw connections within higher education as well as across disciplines, exposed me to the key players in higher education research, and cultivated my ability to think globally and strategically about problems facing contemporary colleges and universities.

What’s your favorite memory of IHE and/or your experience as a student?

One thing I really missed about IHE, which is something that I think drew me to LSU, was the community of scholars. I am motivated and inspired by engaged students and, likewise, hope that their graduate experience is enriched by interacting with faculty and administrators. I particularly enjoyed such events as the annual McBee Lecture and educational policy lecture series. On a personal note, I spent some of the best years of my life in Athens and changed in so many ways. Of particular note were many wonderful lunches at The Globe with IHE buddies Jennifer Frum, Jennifer Nabors and Christine Miller.

What do you think is IHE’s best asset?

The IHE curriculum is unique in its flexibility and the ability students have to enroll in courses across the entire campus. I was able to take several courses at the UGA Law School, which was a huge advantage and a source of enjoyment in my graduate training. Also, the reputation of the faculty is stellar. When people see IHE on my CV, they instantly equate that with quality education. So many proverbial doors have opened because of the connections I made with and through students, faculty and affiliates of IHE.

If you could sum up your IHE experience in three words, what would you say?

Interdisciplinary, transformational, supportive