JR Blackburn is Director of Development in the Dean's Office. A graduate of The Ohio State University (Bachelors of Arts in Psychology) and Franklin University where he earned his MBA, JR has been an active member of The Ohio State University Marching Band (TBDBITL), The Sullivant Society Honorary, Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Kappa Psi. JR joined the Dean's Office in August 2008 with the primary responsibility to raise private funds for the Scripps College of Communication.

Throughout his professional career, JR has served as Hocking College's director of college relations and advancement and as the executive director of the Hocking College Foundation. JR has served as CEO and manager of Blackburn Home Furnishings, a family owned business since 1945. He also has served as a consultant for marketing issues with several organizations.

Active in the local community, JR serves as the president and chairperson of Parade of the Hills Festival in Nelsonville, Ohio, and continues to work with a team of volunteers on this annual event that has been part of the Hocking Hills since 1949. JR is the musical director of his church’s choir, has enjoyed two terms on The Ohio State University Alumni Band Board of Governors, and, in 2002, was the youngest person ever to named the Nelsonville Chamber of Commerce's Person of the Year. JR resides in Nelsonville.

JR can be reached at blackbuj@ohio.edu.

Scripps College of Communication
RTVC 460
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: (740) 597-1698
Fax: (740) 593-0459
e-mail: blackbuj@ohio.edu