Francis Marion University Athletics

Blackburn, a 1988 graduate of Francis Marion University, is entering his 38th year as an FMU employee and his 27th year as director of the Director of the Smith University Center. 

He was the 2025 recipient of the Francis Marion University Marvin W. Lynch Humanitarian Award. 

He worked as a student employee with Intramural Sports from 1983-1988, and then became a full-time employee following his graduation in 1988 as the Assistant Coordinator of the Smith University Center. He served in that role from 1988 to 1999, and also served as the Director of Campus Recreational Services from 1988 to until 2006.  He assumed his current position as director of the university center in 1999.

Blackburn serves in various other capacities at Francis Marion University as the certified pool operator and coordinator of summer programs, and is a past advisor for the Inter-Fraternity Council.

He is a member of the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association, South Carolina Certified Pool Operators, and United Sates Jaycees.  He is a past board member of the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic – which Francis Marion hosted for 37 summers -- and a past President of the Marion Jaycee chapter (2003-05) and member of the South Carolina Jaycee Palmetto Corps.

His hobbies include sports, working in the outdoors, working with youth in baseball and softball, and spending time with his eight grandchildren.

Blackburn lives in Hartsville, S.C., with his wife Amy. He has three step daughters.
 
(8-2025)