Blenda Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blenda Jacqueline Wilson
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Wilson in 1977
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| 3rd President of California State University, Northridge | |
| In office September 1, 1992 – June 30, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | James W. Cleary |
| Succeeded by | Jolene Koester |
| 3rd Chancellor of the University of Michigan–Dearborn | |
| In office July 1988 – August 1992 |
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| Preceded by | William A. Jenkins |
| Succeeded by | James C. Renick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 28, 1941 Perth Amboy, New Jersey |
| Spouses | Louis Fair, Jr. |
| Alma mater | Cedar Crest College (BA) Seton Hall University (MA) Boston College (PhD) |
| Profession | College administrator |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | |
| Thesis | An analysis of goal congruence in a geographically dispersed university: Implications for the governance of Antioch University (1979) |
| Doctoral advisor | Evan Collins |
Blenda Wilson (born January 28, 1941) is a retired American university leader. She was the first African-American woman to become president of a very large American university. This means a university with over 25,000 students.
She was president of California State University, Northridge (CSUN) during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. This was a major natural disaster in U.S. history. Blenda Wilson led the effort to rebuild CSUN. This project cost nearly $400 million and fixed or rebuilt over 100 campus buildings.
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Early Life and Education
Blenda Jacqueline Wilson was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Her parents were Horace Lawrence Wilson and Margaret Brogsdale Wilson.
She earned her first degree, a bachelor's degree, in 1962. She studied at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Later, she received her master's degree in 1965. This was from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In 1979, she completed her Ph.D. at Boston College.
Career in Education Leadership
Blenda Wilson held many important jobs in universities. She also worked for non-profit groups. These jobs included roles at Rutgers University and Harvard University.
In 1988, she made history at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She was named the first female chancellor there. A chancellor is a top leader at a university.
Leading California State University, Northridge
In 1992, Blenda Wilson became the third president of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She was the first woman and the first African-American to hold this important position. This made her the first African-American woman to lead a large American university.
Rebuilding CSUN After the Earthquake
During her time as president, the 1994 Northridge earthquake hit. This was one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Many buildings at CSUN were damaged or destroyed. In total, 107 buildings needed repairs or rebuilding.
Blenda Wilson led the huge effort to rebuild the campus. This project cost about $400 million. It was the most expensive natural disaster to affect a university in the United States at that time. She received praise for her work in helping the university recover.
During this challenging time, the university also faced budget cuts. Blenda Wilson had to make tough decisions. She focused on the university's main goal: education. She reminded everyone that the university's purpose was learning, even during difficult financial times.
Work at Nellie Mae Education Foundation
In 1999, Blenda Wilson took on a new role. She became president and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. This foundation is in Quincy, Massachusetts. She worked there until 2006.
Community Service and Boards
Blenda Wilson has also given her time to many important organizations. She served as a trustee for groups like the Getty Foundation. She also helped lead the College Board. She was also a deputy chairman for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Personal Life
Blenda Wilson was married to Louis Fair, Jr. They were married from 1985 until his passing in 2021.
