By Laurel White

Hanna Blazel has been named the School of Education’s first associate dean for advancement and external relations, a role dedicated to advancing philanthropic support and expanding institutional impact at the nation’s No.1-ranked school of education. 

In the new position, which was created by Dean Marcelle Haddix, Blazel will provide strategic leadership for the School’s advancement and external relations portfolio, including philanthropy and resource development, alumni relations, strategic partnerships, community engagement, business relations, government relations, and public engagement. 

Blazel says she’s looking forward to strengthening relationships and building partnerships that expand opportunities for students, faculty and staff, alumni and communities while advancing the school’s mission and impact. 

“What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to connect people with a mission I care deeply about,” she says. “Since joining our school, I have been continually inspired by the remarkable work happening across our community. I look forward to building on the relationships, knowledge, and experiences I’ve gained while working alongside students, colleagues, alumni, and partners to increase support, strengthen connections, and create new opportunities for years to come.”

Blazel has a track record of leadership in the School. She most recently served as director of research strategy in the School of Education’s Office of Research and Scholarship. In that role, she oversaw the team that helps advance impactful research and innovation across departments in the arts, health, and education through pre- and post-award work, internal and external research communications, and contract support.

“One of the things I’ve valued most in my time at the School of Education is seeing how research and scholarship, teaching and community engagement come together to create meaningful change,” she says. “We have an extraordinary story to tell, and I’m excited to elevate that work to support our school in ways that advance our impact both locally and globally.”

In her new role, Blazel will oversee the School’s advancement team, which will move from its current organizational structure in the Office of Communications and Advancement to be part of her team. She will also oversee the School’s office of Professional Learning and Community Education (PLACE), as well as the School’s director of strategic initiatives, Lisa Barker.

Haddix says she looks forward to working with Blazel, along with the rest of her leadership team, to enhance relationships with School supporters and strengthen collaborative partnerships with communities across the state, nation, and world.

“Hanna is a strong leader who has a demonstrated record of helping support our institutional impact,” she says. “I’m so pleased to welcome her into this new role, and to work alongside her to deepen strategic partnerships, advance entrepreneurship and innovation, and broaden community engagement in support of the School’s mission and long-term success.”

Blazel will begin the role on Oct. 4.