A longtime teacher and administrator at the State University College at Oneonta has decided it is time for a change.
Carol A, Blazina, vice president for community relations at SUNY Oneonta, will retire March 3.
She has served the college in many ways, starting as an instructor in the physical-education department in 1966 when she was 20.
She was hired primarily to develop dance classes, including modern and social _ now known as ballroom _ she said Wednesday.
"I've been there a long time," she said about why she decided to retire. "I needed to do something different."
She said she plans to take some time off but would like to eventually do some volunteer work in Oneonta and "just take it easy for a little bit."
Even after she went into administration in 1990, she always taught, she said.
It was never what she would call working, she said. "It was a privilege."
"Carol has been a tremendous asset to both the college and the community," college President Nancy Kleniewski said. "We appreciate her many contributions and wish
her well in retirement. She will be missed."
As a faculty member in physical education, Blazina taught dance classes at the college for more than 40 years, according to a media release from the college.
She also made many contributions to the athletics program as a coach and administrator.
In 1994, she received the State University of New York Athletic
Conference Distinguished Service Award. She served the campus for five years as chairwoman of the College Senate.
She has served as chairwoman of the commencement committee and as faculty adviser for the Terpsichorean Dance Company.
In 2001, she received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Through four decades, one sees a lot of changes in students, Blazina said, but the one constant was "they have all been terrific."
"I've been so blessed and so honored to be at the college," she said.
