New president starts work at LSSU

Betty Youngblood, the new president of Lake Superior State University, hit the ground running this week.

Youngblood, who took over from the retiring Robert Arbuckle on July 1, is planning to meet legislators to discuss a recent decision by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to stop part-time foreign students from attending LSSU and other U.S. colleges and universities, as one of her first tasks in the new position.

The former president of Western Oregon University is also planning to review bids recently opened for the LSSU fine and performing arts center, on which construction is to begin in September. Other tasks she wants to tackle during her first weeks include becoming familiar with the University budget, and meeting any employees she hasn't previously met during her campus orientation.

Her biography

Here's Youngblood's biography, as supplied to us by LSSU:

"Youngblood, a native of Michigan, was president of WOU in Monmouth, Oregon, since 1995, where she also held the rank of professor in the Political Science Department. Previously, she was chancellor at University of Wisconsin-Superior.

"Youngblood is a specialist in comparative governments and South Asian politics. She has traveled extensively in South Asia, written several publications, and been involved in a variety of activities involving the U.S. and Indian governments.

"She has received several research fellowships to study in northwestern India in the states of Haryana and Punjab.

"Youngblood earned a bachelor of arts degree in South Asian area studies and political science at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. in 1965.

"She did her graduate work at the University of Minnesota, earning a master of arts degree in South Asian studies in 1966 and a Ph.D. in political science in 1970.

"Her teaching career in political science has included Texas Tech University, the State University of West Georgia, and Kennesaw State University (Georgia).

"At Kennesaw, she moved into administration and later served as vice president for academic affairs at Wesley College (Delaware), MacMurray College (Illinois), and then University of Wisconsin-Superior.

"In addition to teaching and research in political science, Dr. Youngblood has served as a consultant to a number of educational organizations, both public and private.

"She has worked extensively with regional accrediting bodies, including the Southern, Middle States, North Central and Northwest Associations.

"She is a member of Rotary and has served on the local boards of service organizations including the United Way, Salvation Army, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society and YMCA, plus hospital and chamber of commerce boards in the communities in which she has lived.

"Youngblood is married to Ralph, an emeritus professor of mathematics at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia. Their son, David, graduated from Eastern Oregon University and is completing his law degree at University of Minnesota."

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