Michael Blankenship Obituary

Dr. Michael Bruce Blankenship 1955 - 2011 Dr. Michael Bruce Blankenship, 56, of Eagle, passed away April 21, 2011 in Boise, Idaho. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Thursday, April 28, 2011 on the Boise State University Campus, in the Special Events Center of the Student Union Building, 1910 University Dr., Boise. Parking will be available in the Lincoln Parking Garage on the corner of University Dr. and Lincoln Ave. Michael was born on April 3, 1955 in Atlanta, Georgia to E.D. and Pallie Blankenship. He married Sheila Duncan in Asheville, North Carolina on November 23, 1978, and to this union, one son Ian was born. Dr. Blankenship began his academic studies at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College (ABTC) in 1981 where he received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice while he was working as a police officer for the Asheville, NC police department. Michael continued his course work at Western Carolina University (and remained a police officer) where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in 1983. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Blankenship started his teaching career as an instructor at ABTC in juvenile process and juvenile delinquency courses. His love of knowledge, teaching, and all things academic led him to continue his studies by obtaining a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from Western Carolina University (1984) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Sam Houston State University (1988). In 1987, Michael was hired as an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Memphis State University. It was here that Michael began his career-long interest in white collar crime. In 1993, he moved to East Tennessee State University where he would serve as Department Chair, Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Director of the Teaching and Learning Center over the next nine years. In 2002, Dr. Blankenship came to Boise State University as the Dean of the College of Social Sciences & Public Affairs where he was instrumental in the formation of a number of research centers and new graduate programs. In 2006, Michael joined the Department of Criminal Justice family as Professor teaching introductory courses in criminal justice, statistics, and management, as well as in his areas of expertise in white-collar crime, gangs, and the death penalty. Michael was a long-time leader in teaching innovations, using state-of-the-art technology to facilitate student learning in his classes, including receiving the Outstanding Criminal Justice Educator Award from the Southern Criminal Justice Association in 1994 and the Tennessee Board of Regents Distance Education Innovations Award in 1999. Dr. Blankenship was an international expert on capital punishment and was often called as an expert witness on this topic. His research career is further evidence of his love of knowledge. Michael published well over a dozen articles in peer reviewed journals, such as Justice Quarterly, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Crime & Delinquency. Dr. Blankenship also authored and co-authored books and book chapters on statistics, data analysis, and white-collar/corporate crime. In addition, he served on the editorial board for the American Journal of Criminal Justice from 1991-1993 of which he was also the Editor for three years. Michael was a reviewer for numerous journals and publishing houses as well. His willingness to serve the discipline is also evidenced by his membership on multiple program committees for the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences' (ACJS) annual meetings, committee assignments for ACJS, the American Society of Criminology (ASC), and the Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA). In 1990, Dr. Blankenship was elected President of the Southern Criminal Justice Association. This level of service extended to the universities where he taught and offered his experience and knowledge to approximately 50 different committees over his career. He was a member of the Council of Colleges of Arts & Sciences, ACJS, ASC, SCJA, and the Western Association of Criminal Justice Educators (WAC-J). As his colleagues and students know, Michael was passionate about his teaching, abolishing the death penalty, and reforming the criminal justice system. Michael's hobbies included golf; anything to do with technology; and motorcycles, including enjoying trips with his wife Sheila to Sturgis and other destinations on their yellow Goldwing, where they felt so free and had not worries or cares; "We just wanna ride". He will be remembered fondly for his stories, laughter, and willingness to help and will be missed by all who knew him. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; E.D. and Pallie Blankenship. He is survived by his wife Sheila, and son Ian, with whom Michael had a very special relationship with and was looking forward to a summer full of playing golf. Anyone wishing to make contributions in Dr. Blankenship's name may do so to the Sam Houston State University Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund, PO Box 2537, Huntsville, Texas 77341, or to the Michael Blankenship Social Justice Scholarship in Criminal Justice. Please call the University Foundation at (208)-426-3276 or donate online at: giving.universityadvancement.org/. To submit memories and condolences to the family, please visit Dr. Blankenship's memorial webpage online at www.CloverdaleFuneralHome.com.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Apr. 26, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Although I don't know you, Sheila and Ian, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I actually just found out about Dr. Blankenship's passing yesterday. I a few semesters at CWI and just came back to BSUthis semester so I hadn't heard. I just wanted to share a quick story with you that you might enjoy.
I was 30 years old when I decided to go to college. I was so nervous being that it was my first day and my very first class (all I could think about was; can I do it?). As soon as the professor started talking I immediately forgot about all those feelings. I thought to myself; what a cool guy, I hope the rest of my professors are like this. But no one could live up to the job. He was so funny and I was thrilled about my first Criminal Justice class, considering CJ was my major. He has changed my view point on the dealth penalty and shed light on many other issues I hadn't even considered.
Not only did he make me laugh (and sometimes just me, because some of the other students didn't catch it), but I recall having him in stitches a time or two also. I told a story about getting in trouble for selling meat without a solicitors license (the little truck that drives around with the steaks etc. in it)... yeah, I know (I was only 18) lol. Anyway, he had fun with that one especially because of the graceful way in which I said it (I got a ticket for selling meat without a solitors license). Between the two of us and our back and forth commentary, we had 200 students cracking up (including ourselves). He said that was the first time he had ever heard that one and was looking forward to sharing the story in the future.
He did like technology but on occasion he would click the wrong option and right there, on the great big screen in front of the whole class were the answers to the quiz he was just about to have us take with our clickers. He would laugh a little to himself and then ignore it, as if nothing happened.
I liked him so much, I searched his name for courses when it was time to register each semester. Unfortuneatly for me, his classes always filled up quickly.
He talked a lot about both of you two during the course of the semester... Oh, and his bike too. He really loved you all and you could tell.
He was a good man and although my knowing him was short lived, he impacted me forever and I will never forget him.
God bless you both.

Sincerely,

Jessie

Jessica Marks

December 12, 2011

Sheila and Ian, I was very saddened to learn of Mike's death. I send my deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss. Mike was a great colleague and friend at the university. I enjoyed many hours of fun as we sat together in the dean's council. His quick wit, ready smile and heart felt belly laughs made even these meetings easier to bear. He was an advocate and innovator for new technologies and an avid supporter for Academic Technologies. We liked and respected Mike - he always pushed us to excel. He is missed.

Ben Hambelton

April 30, 2011

I was in Dr. Blankenships CJ101 class this semester and I was looking forward to taking more of his classes in the future. Dr. Blankenship was one my favorite professors, I always looked forward to his lectures. I am 36 years old and have held my beliefs regarding our criminal justice system for many years, yet he Dr. Blankenship's teachings have me re-evaluating my thoughts and beliefs. He had such a way about him that made you learn to look at things from a different point of view. He was so passionate about his beliefs and would get so excited during lectures that it made class very enjoyable. His passing is a loss not only to his family but to the community. I feel very honored to have had the privilage of learning from him, if only for a short time.

Kim Woodard

April 28, 2011

Dearest Sheila & Ian,
Words cannot describe our sadness that we share at Mikes passing. Such a tragic ending to his NEW beginning! Be assured that although it hurts(and always will), Mike will ALWAYS be with all of us..through his kindred spirit, and great knowledge that he shared with us all! We are so very thankful that we were able to get to know Mike during our trip from Winnemucca, and BOTH of you to Reno last year..and of course our dinner we had..remember how stinking HOT it was in that restaurant?..LOL :D
May it ease you to to know how much we truly loved Mike and was so looking forward to seeing him back on the "Yellow Banana" again. Know we are here for you, if you need anything!
In Friendship...
Mona & Steve Rhodes

April 28, 2011

I took one of Dr. Blankenship classes when I was in the criminal justice program at BSU. He was very passionate about his teaching and he will be sorely missed at the criminal justice department. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of his colleagues. Marisa Bacon Wilson

Marisa Bacon-Wilson

April 26, 2011

Dr. Blankenship was an excellent professor and will be greatly missed. God Bless his family and loved ones.

Kevin Sloane

April 26, 2011

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