Professor Ron Blazek answers questions about his impending retirement. He will leave at the end of the Spring semester after teaching at the FSU School of Information Studies for 32 years.
On how he feels about retiring from FSU after 32 years of service?
I look at retirement with mixed feelings, knowing that what was so much a part of my existence the past three decades and the frenzied pattern of orderly chaos emerging out of managing a commitment to teaching, research, and service will no longer place its demands on my time and energy. I think of the many wonderful people, colleagues, students, and staff members that have touched my life and have been so important to my career development that I can’t help but feel sad that this period has come to an end. On the bright side, however, I know I leave this dynamic scene to a great bunch of individuals who will move the School to new heights.
For me, there are new challenges ahead in finding ways to continue to satisfy my life goals and interests on a greatly restricted budget, and to search for valuable and worthwhile activities to replace the productivity of the past. At this point, I don’t feel old, and although society has given me senior citizen status, it is certain that I do not intend to vegetate in front of a TV set for the rest of my days.
On his biggest accomplishment at FSU
My biggest accomplishment could be the contribution I have made to the doctoral program over the years. I have had the honor and pleasure to serve as major professor to 34 doctoral recipients with two more in the pipeline that I will be allowed to complete even after official retirement. In addition, I have served on the doctoral committees of nearly 80 more people representing fields of Education, History, English, and Communication along with Library and Information Studies. I am quite proud of these numbers since they rank as the highest by any professor in our School to date. These graduates have operated in various professional pursuits ranging from practitioners and administrators to educators.
Also, I like to think that in having taught the doctoral research methods course during most of my career beginning with my first year in 1971, I was able to provide a solid foundation in research for my students and contribute to the setting of higher standards for the doctoral program. At the master’s level, I hope I have been able to inspire interest and admiration for the reference/information process and through my classes have spurred people on to pursue professional careers in reference in particular, and in libraries in general.
On what he plans to do with his time after retirement
In looking at the way I may spend my time in the future, while allowing for the desirable and fun activities of travel and leisure, as I mentioned I am still interested in active participation on some level. Where, what, and when are still in question but I may surprise others and even myself with what comes about. I still feel that I can teach well enough and/or be an asset to some enterprise. I do intend to remain in Tallahassee, where (my wife) Genny has a number of home maintenance projects planned for me. I know I want to read heavily, watch good stuff on television, and satisfy my curiosity about things and people. The novelty of not knowing exactly what comes next makes the challenge more interesting and more exciting. I will certainly welcome visits from people who were part of my professional past.
On what he will miss most about the School
In truth, I will miss everything about the School except the daily or near-daily meeting of teams or Committees. I’m sure if there were another way to practice collegial governance, we would all choose to follow it. I will miss the chaotic frenzy to which I have referred and the mind enhancing challenges of setting priorities in order to succeed. Most of all, I will miss the people with whom I share this mission, and the students I will never meet. It has been a very good run.
On any advice that he has for students
My advice to students has always been the same. Keep your sense of balance by remaining part of the great world out there along with being a student. It is important to maintain a sense of humor and remember that whatever stressful circumstance you encounter, it will be finite and the rewards are well worth the effort. Meanwhile try to enjoy the educational experience rather than become absorbed by it. Study hard but also engage in outside activities that your current environment will offer.
On any parting words he may have
At this point, I count my blessings to have been part of this great operation for so many years and to have worked for three fine deans — Harold Goldstein, Bill Summers and Jane Robbins — who have provided support to my professional efforts and given me the freedom to be me.