Blackwell, Jean Oral History

Scope and content:

The child of Virginia natives, Jean Blackwell was born in Georgia, moved around as a child before settling in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Blackwell followed her older brother, a member of the Tribe basketball team, and attended William & Mary from 1972-1976. During her childhood, few athletic opportunities existed for girls in small towns. However, she joined the field hockey and lacrosse teams, eventually playing for the varsity squad in the latter. Combining her athletic experience with a degree in Economics and a concentration in classical music, Blackwell served in several positions in the cabinet of Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, whose father is called the "Father of Title IX." She is the current Executive VP at Cummins, Inc. and has served as CEO of the Cummins Foundation. She discusses her background and her experiences on campus, as well as the progress she's seen at William & Mary in gender, race, and LGBTQIA+ relations as a gay alumna.

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Restrictions:

The subject has embargoed this interview for 10 years, ending 2029 March 14.

Parent restrictions:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Contents