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Show The Tfumderbird Tuesday, October 25, 1983 Page 7 K Don Blanchard, whos been a faculty member at SUSC for 20 years, and chairman of the industrial education department, works at his is now computer terminal which helps him keep up with the challenge of being informed of the many advances and expanding knowledge in his field. Myriad experience leads Blanchard to chairmanship by Lanai Greenhalgh Electronics, computers, mechanical drafting and other areas within industrial education are his specialties, and conveying his knowledge of these subjects, as well as overseeing the department, is his job. Don Blanchard, instructor and now the departments chairman, took on his responsibilities as department head only three months ago. In spite of having taken on his role as chairman so recently, he has exhibited tremendous enthusiasm and know-hoThe position as head of the department is rotated frequently between faculty members, Blanchard said. It is a demanding job, and there is much to be done. Blanchards first responsibility is to handle the departments budget, which is no eacy task these days. However, Blanchard said that financially his department is doing well. In addition to his duties and responsibilities as the department head, Blanchard still teaches several classes a day in electronics and radio. Among his many challenges, one that is particularly demanding is keeping up with the many new advances and expanding knowledge within his field. The biggest problem is not having time to learn new technology so we can teach it," Blanchard said. Eighty percent of the material taught in industrial education today was not offered 10 years ago. Teachers who began their careers prior to that time are finding it necessary to learn recent advancements in technology by taking courses or covering new reading material in order to teach current material. Blanchard has been teaching for 20 years. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from Utah State University. He earned his doctorate degree from Arizona State University in 1976 where he taught while completing his formal education. He has also attended Brigham Young University and Ricks College. In spite of the many hours his college responsibilines demand, Blanchard still finds the time to devote to his family. He enjoys getting away for a day of hunting or fishing with his sons, and takes interest in his community. Blanchard is also involved with the local scouting program. He has served as a Cub Master and a merit badge examiner for 20 yea's. He has sons of scouting age end devotes time in their behalf. a native of Chester, Idaho, is miles away from his family. Upon turning down a teaching job at Ricks College, he moved to Cedar City to help develop the thriving industrial education program. He chose employment at SUSC for its overall fine programs Blan-.har- d, and enthusiastic administration. Blanchard said SUSC students, are the best in the state. I truly believe that this school turns out the greatest students in every field. From Blanchards industrial education department, SUSC students have maintained a 100 percent success rate in finding employment after graduation. Some SUSC graduates are making a higher starting wage in the field of electronics than the teachers who instructed them are earning now. With the great knowledge he possesses Blanchard admitted that many companies would pay him a handsome salary if he were to go into private industry. But then, 1 am getting up there in years, Blanchard joked. Companies probably want someone a lot younger. For now, he is content to remain an instructor and department chairman. Among his many accomplishments are designing and marketing various kinds of electronic equipment, radios, remote including scanner modules for broadcasting equipment and radio tracking transmitters for Utah Wilderness Resources. He has also developed numerous electronic circuits and has made innovative procedures in plastics. He designed and built SUSCs first campus radio station and serves as a consultant for electronics companies and radio stations. two-wa- y |