John A. "Jack" Blackburn Award

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Photo of Jack Blackburn by Dan Addison

The John A. "Jack" Blackburn Award for Ethics in College Admission was established by the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) in 2010 to honor the late Jack Blackburn, long-time Dean of Admission at the University of Virginia. Throughout his career, Jack served as an admirable role model promoting the highest ethical standards, integrity in our profession and equity in access to higher education. This award recognizes a member of our profession who exemplifies the qualities that made Jack Blackburn revered by his peers. 

Selection Process

A recipient is selected each year (pending qualified nominations) and recognized at the PCACAC Annual Spring Conference.  Criteria used for selection are:
  • Commitment to the high ethical standards of college admission through sustained active involvement in  the profession;
  • Dedication to promoting equal access to higher education for all students.

Membership in PCACAC is not a criterion for selection but consideration will be given to professionals in the PCACAC region.

The recipient is honored with an engraved plaque and, for one year, will keep the Blackburn Award, a perpetual plaque engraved and embossed with the PCACAC logo listing the names of all recipients.

The selection committee is comprised of members of the PCACAC Past Presidents Committee.  For questions or additional information, contact Anthony Ambrogi, Chair of the Past Presidents' Committee. 

In Recognition of our 2026 Award Winner

Barbara Tragakis Conner
Regional Admission Counselor
Rider University

Award presented by Jake Talmage

Known widely as a consummate host with a perpetual smile, Barbara Conner blazed her own professional trail while doing it all. She has worked in public schools, independent schools, and on the college side. She has retired and returned to the profession.  

Although this might amaze many who have seen her professional leadership, Barbara came to education as a second, or maybe even third, career. After working in city government in Fairfax County and as a consultant, Barbara began her first job in the Fairfax County Public Schools in 1997. Even then, though, Barbara did not truly enter the college admission/counseling world until 2005 when she became a College and Career Center Specialist at West Potomac High School.  

Read the entire tribute to Barbara Conner.

 PRIOR RECIPIENTS:

2024:  Kevin Terry, Director of School Counseling, Rock Ridge High School (VA)

2023:  David Hawkins, Chief Education and Policy Officer, National Association for College Admission Counseling (VA)

2022:  Sue Rexford, Director of College Guidance, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (MD)

2021:  Leonard Satterwhite, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, Washington and Lee University (VA)

2020:  Joyce E. Smith, NACAC CEO (Retired 2020)

2019:  Evelyn Boyd White, Retired School Counseling Coordinator, Thomas Dale High School (VA)

2018:  Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, University of Denver (CO)

2017:  Marty Wilder, Chief of Staff (Retired), University of Mary Washington (VA)

2016:  Dave Kraus, Director of Admission, Davidson College (NC)

2015:  Mildred Johnson, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management & Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech (VA)

2014:  James W. Jump, Academic Dean and Director of Guidance, St. Christopher's School (VA)

2013: Valerie H. Gregory, Associate Dean of Admissions and Outreach, University of Virginia (VA)

2012: Lou Hirsh, Retired Director of Admissions, University of Delaware (DE)

2011: Shirley Bloomquist, Independent Counselor (VA)