CARLINVILLE, Ill. – Hayden Reese of Red Bud, Ill., has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management from Blackburn College during the institution’s 155th commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024.
Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Ill. One of 10 federally-recognized work colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation exclusively managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. While at Blackburn, Reese served as a student department manager of athletics responsible for organizing, training, motivating, supervising, and evaluating peers in the student workforce.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Blackburn College as one of the best colleges in the Midwest region for 2024. Blackburn has also earned a top 10 ranking as a top performer for social mobility. The Washington Monthly ranked Blackburn first in Illinois for performance by students receiving Pell Grants in 2022 and 2023. The publication has twice ranked Blackburn as the best baccalaureate college in Illinois.