George W. Blanks has been appointed as a program developer in
the Engineering Extension Service of the College of
Engineering at Auburn University. He is responsible for
developing, coordinating, and marketing leadership and
professional development curricula, seminars, and workshops
for engineers and professionals in related careers as well as undergraduates in the College of Engineering.
"Blanks' appointment marks a major step in the effort of Auburn's
College of Engineering to bring leadership development education to engineers
in Alabama and the Southeast," said William F. Walker, dean of the College
of Engineering. "Industry leaders are telling us of their need for engineers
with leadership skills communications, team building, goal setting to
complement the strong technical tools we provide our graduates."
According to Walker, Blanks' initial focus will be to develop a series of
leadership development seminars for graduate engineers and other professionals who are making a transition from
purely technical duties to management and supervisory responsibilities.
"We also see him as the catalyst to develop a similar program to
provide leadership development opportunities to our undergraduates and give them a
head start on their careers. George Blanks has the experience and enthusiasm
to help us meet this need and fulfill our vision of excellence in engineering
instruction," said the dean.
Blanks brings to the Engineering Extension Service more than 18
years of experience in leadership development in higher education. He was
previously employed with Auburn University's Office of Student Affairs. He holds
the bachelor of arts degree in communication from Samford University in
Birmingham and the master of arts in counselor education from the University
of Alabama in Birmingham. He currently is completing his doctorate in
educational leadership at Auburn University.
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