Happy Retirement Dr. Blankenship

The Department of Recreation and Parks Management said “Happy Retirement” to a beloved faculty member, Dr. Diane Blankenship, at the end of the Spring 2023 semester.  Dr. B, as she is fondly known by her students and colleagues, began her 24-year career at Frostburg State University in 1999. 

Along the way, she wrote a research methods textbook, presented at conferences, had articles published, and provided professional service to the City of Frostburg, the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association and the National Recreation and Park Association. Dr. B also enjoyed traveling and camping with her family.

Dr. Blankenship bolstered Frostburg State University’s standing as a provider of quality education and the student’s career marketability by being at the forefront of obtaining and maintaining the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions accreditation for the Department since 2000.

She  also provided her students with an excellent learning environment, encouragement, and career development advice by providing fun experiential learning opportunities. Some of her favorite learning events included the collaborative Easter Egg Hunt and the Halloween Haunted House with the City of Frostburg.

Dr. Blankenship celebrated her retirement on May 7, 2023, with family, friends, former students, and colleagues at Rocky Gap State Park.  Dean Boyce Williams and Dr. Natalia Buta gave brief speeches highlighting Dr. B's career and wished her the best in her retirement.  The Recreation and Parks Management students used their skills and planned the event, and they threw a party that made her proud!