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Ronald Blanks Scholar Feature

Posted on January 18, 2023 by MCOB
MCOB

Ronald Blanks standing outside on campus. data-lightbox='featured'

Growing up just five minutes from campus, Mitchell Scholar and freshman Ronald Blanks always had a strong desire to attend the University of South Alabama. The University’s proximity to home, the strong local reputation, and, later, a generous scholarship opportunity made South his first choice.

Blanks’s decision to land at the Mitchell College of Business, however, was more of a gut decision. His first year reinforced that it was a good one.

“A long-held dream of mine was to become a game developer, combining both my love for computer science and interest in business, but things have changed over the last semester since coming to South,” Blanks said. “Although I quickly found interest in entrepreneurship, I’m leaning toward declaring a major in finance. The outgoing nature of business is really appealing to me. Interacting with people, building relationships, that’s important to me.”

His interest in entrepreneurship could feed one of his long-term goals: Giving back by opening a summer camp that teaches children about financial literacy.

He’s not waiting until then to get involved. Blanks is vice president of alumni relations for the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization and is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management, the Financial Management Association and the Accounting Club. He also works as a student assistant for USA OneStop in Meisler Hall, where he helps current and prospective students and their families.

“I appreciate Ronald’s willingness to embrace the college experience, to take on challenges, and to step out of his comfort zone,” said Jay Hunt, an instructor of management and director of the Professional Readiness Engagement Program. “He is an avid reader and a deep thinker. I expect we will continue to see great things from him.”

Being a Mitchell Scholar, and at his first choice for a university, has given Blanks a firm springboard to find his landing spots. “My favorite thing about South, and the Mitchell College, is the campus environment and community,” Blanks said. “The people here are amazing – so good-hearted and willing to help others – and that is incredibly attractive.”

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