By Micaela Myers
Sean Blackburn began his duties as the University of Wyoming associate vice president
of student affairs and dean of students in July 2014, but he’s no stranger to the university. “I was
born here in Laramie,” he says. “Both my parents got degrees here, as did two of my
sisters, my grandparents and aunts and uncles. UW for me has always been the Harvard
of the West. As I was going through my higher education and considering where I’d
want to work, I’ve always held it on the horizon. This was the right time, the right
job and the right point in my career.”
Blackburn earned his master of education degree in student affairs administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Va. Before coming to UW, he served as associate dean of students at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and previously held positions at Virginia Tech and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Goals for the future: “One of the primary services we provide is connecting students to the resources they need,” Blackburn says of student affairs. “In the long range, my goal is to make sure we’re really building an engagement portfolio for our students. We know that students who are engaged are more successful, they’re more supportive alumni, and they’re happier with their college experience.”
Standout students: “I think we have some of the best students—they’re honest, they’re hardworking, and they have a strong independent streak in terms of doing what’s right and being responsible. I think they have some of that Wyoming ‘cowboy up’ mentality, which gives them opportunities.”
That independent streak can make some students resistant to getting help, though, Blackburn says. “We want to get the message out that it’s OK to come forward if you need assistance. We have support systems and programs to help students be successful.”
Exciting times: “I think that this is a really exciting time to be at UW, between the Science Initiative and the Engineering Initiative and the College of Education and endowed chairs,” Blackburn says. “We are blessed to have such a supportive Legislature, and I think President McGinity has done a great job leading us through this interesting chapter and preparing us for the next step. I’m really optimistic about everything going on at the university and where we’re headed.”
