President Jo Blondin | President, Clark State College

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr Jo Blondin, the fifth president of Clark State College in Springfield, Ohio, to explore leadership, workforce innovation, and what it truly means to build a culture of care in community colleges.

Ben and Dr. Blondin discuss what makes Clark State unique, from nationally distinctive programs in modelling and simulation and addiction and integrated treatment studies to one of the largest nursing programs in Ohio. The conversation dives deep into Clark State’s One Front Door strategy, an equity-centred approach that ensures every learner, whether credit or workforce-focused, receives the same level of access, support, and dignity from day one.

As she reflects on her upcoming retirement after two decades as a college president, Dr Blondin shares hard-earned leadership wisdom, the mentors who shaped her journey, and the advice she gives every student: always sit at the table and never confuse who you are with the job you do.