Central Ohio Today

Ohio Christian University Registrar, Michelle Blanton, is one of 35 distinguished individuals chosen to serve and advise state leaders. Leadership Ohio shared the following regarding Blanton and the Class of 2023:

For almost 15 years, Michelle Blanton has worked at Ohio Christian University. Blanton started working in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies upon graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Business from Ohio Christian University in 2008. After working in Student Services for eight years, Blanton became the Director of Admissions of the same division. In 2016, Blanton moved to the University Registrar’s Office as Associate Registrar. In this position she worked with students conducting graduation audits and planning the annual graduation ceremonies. From 2019-2022, Blanton served as the Director of Alumni Relations cultivating and stewarding relationships with previous students. Blanton returned to the University Registrar’s Office in 2022 as the University Registrar.

In addition to her involvement at the University, Blanton is very active in her community. She is a 2014 Pickaway Fellow and serves on a variety of local and statewide boards and committees. In 2017, Blanton was elected to Circleville City Council as an at-large member. She has been Chair of the Safety and Finance Committees. Blanton is a 2021 graduate of the JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute and is running to be the next Mayor of Circleville in 2023. 

Blanton lives in Circleville with Travis, her husband, Elijah, her son, and dog, Roxy. Watching basketball, singing and reading are a few of her hobbies.

Columbus, Ohio - Leadership Ohio, the state's premier leadership development program that connects diverse leaders from across Ohio to promote positive change, is pleased to announce the class of 2023. After receiving over 120 nominations, and through a competitive selection process, 35 individuals have been appointed Leadership Ohio Fellows. Over the next eight months, these leaders will engage in in-depth explorations of critical questions, challenges, and opportunities facing Ohio and its people. 

“This is a distinguished group of accomplished individuals from all across the state,” said James W. Murray, president of the board of trustees, Leadership Ohio. “Ohio needs effective and civil leadership in today’s polarized society, and we are excited to welcome this diverse cross-sector cohort to Leadership Ohio today.” 

The Class of 2023 participants come from a variety of industries, including business, healthcare, education, and government. Fellows hail from many corners of the state, and represent a spectrum of ideological viewpoints. This year's class includes leaders from organizations such as Taft Law, Ohio Department of Transportation, JPMorgan Chase, and Goodwill Ohio, and includes a record eight elected and appointed government officials.

Fellows will engage in a series of intensive sessions that cover topics such as the state judiciary, small town resurgence, and civil discourse while being exposed to an influential network of decision makers. Fellows will also develop Ohio Impact Projects taking direct action on a pressing issue or opportunity to benefit Ohio. Importantly, they will build impactful relationships with other leaders from around the state with goals for lasting change. 

"We are excited to welcome the Class of 2023 to Leadership Ohio," said Dr. Lisa Duty, executive director of Leadership Ohio. "These distinguished individuals are part of a growing network of change-makers and innovators who are on the leading edge of solutions for a future-driven Ohio.”

Upon graduation, Fellows are inducted into the Leadership Ohio alumni network comprised of accomplished, diverse, talented Ohioans. Leadership Ohio’s alumni reside in Ohio cities big and small, lead major companies and nonprofits, launch small businesses, and serve in government agencies, elected offices, commissions, and Ohio’s boardrooms.

For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org. Nominations for the Class of 2024 open in Autumn 2023.

Original source can be found here