John Blackburn to be new Lincoln College president

[December 10, 2011]  Lincoln College is pleased to announce the hiring of the institution's 21st president. John Blackburn, currently the chief executive officer at Country Financial, will succeed Jon Astroth as president. Astroth, who accepted the position on an interim basis in May of 2010, will continue to serve as the college's president until August of 2012, during which time he will oversee a transition process that will begin next spring.

Astroth heralded the hiring of Blackburn as a major triumph for Lincoln College. Blackburn has served on Lincoln College's board of trustees since 2002 and also served three years as board chair.

"John Blackburn's success as the CEO of a Fortune 1000 company speaks for itself," said Astroth. "However, he possesses additional qualities that will support his success as president of Lincoln College.

"For many years, he has both served on and chaired the board of trustees. His daughter is an alumna of Lincoln College. He spent more than a decade in education as a teacher, coach and administrator before moving into the insurance business. He has served on many educational and business-related boards. He has been recognized as a distinguished alumnus by both of his alma maters. He knows many business and educational leaders throughout the region. Everyone who knows Mr. Blackburn considers him personable, bright and thoughtful. Finally, he has a deep appreciation for the mission and history of Lincoln College."

Blackburn became CEO of Country Financial in 2001. Under his leadership, Country Financial grew extensively. In the last decade, Country Financial has seen its assets for the enterprise grow from $8 billion to $14 billion, while annual revenues have increased from $2 billion to $3.3 billion. Country Financial has been listed on the annual Fortune 1000 list since 2004, registering at No. 624 in 2011.

Blackburn, 63, announced his retirement from Country Financial in July. He is scheduled to leave Country in January.

In a letter to the board of trustees in which he accepted the position of president, Blackburn stated that he hopes to use his business knowledge to guide the college through the current economic challenges facing institutions of higher education.

"The next few years hold many serious challenges for higher education, especially for small, private institutions," Blackburn wrote. "Someone with an extensive background in both education and business may be able to bring a combination of skills to the table which would be helpful in addressing the difficulties ahead."

Blackburn resides in Lincoln with his wife, Barbara. The family owns the Blue Dog Inn, a popular local restaurant in downtown Lincoln.

Blackburn earned a bachelor's degree in English and physical education from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

"Barb and I began our careers as teachers. We have maintained our passion for continuing education through our community and philanthropic service," said Blackburn. "I am very excited to come full circle and return to my educational roots."

Blackburn's appointment also signifies the end of Astroth's tenure at Lincoln College and the completion of Astroth's distinguished career in education that has spanned over 35 years. Prior to his time at Lincoln College, Astroth served as the president of Heartland Community College for nearly 20 years, during which time the school saw substantial growth.

In retirement, Astroth said he plans to "travel, 'wet a line' and pursue interests that have taken a back seat to my education career."

"I'd like to thank all of the great people I have worked with and gotten to know during my time at the college," said Astroth. "There are some terrific people here. I hope I have helped clarify strategic directions, presented some new ideas and opened some doors of opportunity for the college. But this occasion is about Mr. Blackburn. Despite difficult economic times in higher education, I am very excited about the future he will help shape."

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]