James B. Blackburn III Memorial Fund for Municipal and County Administration

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The James B. Blackburn III Memorial Fund for Municipal and County Administration provides scholarship support to a local government official, or officials working in municipal or county government enrolled in the UNC School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration Course. Preference will be given to enrollees whose participation is, in part, dependent on financial support. Other factors that may be considered are the number of individuals in a particular unit that have already graduated from the course and how critical the course is to the governmental unit and to the applicant’s future career goals.

History

Raised in Michigan and educated at Princeton University, Blackburn arrived at Fort Bragg in 1971 as a member of the US Army.After discharge, hecompleted a Master of Public Administration degree at NC State University then earned a law degree from Duke, graduating in 1980. In 1984 Blackburn joined the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) as general counsel and chief lobbyist where he stayed for the next 25 years. Upon his retirement, he was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition and celebration of his lifetime commitment and dedication to public service. He also was honored with the Grainger Barrett Award for Excellence by the Government and Public Sector Section of the NC Bar Association, and with a resolution of appreciation by the NC Association of County Attorneys.Blackburn passed away in March 2012.

The James B. Blackburn III Memorial Fund for Municipal and County Administration was established to honor his legacy of dedication, commitment, and service in hopes of supporting the careers of North Carolina County Employees.

To support the James B. Blackburn III Memorial Fund for Municipal & County Administration (057510) go here.

Past Recipients