February ’23 DAR Star: Jan Blaine

by Lily Fleenor

We work with absolutely incredible people—and we all have varied interests and experiences, which adds to the unique makeup of the University of Georgia. We’ll be regularly spotlighting a few rock stars from around the division so that even if you don’t cross paths with them in the break room or Zoom with them on a weekly basis, you can get to know colleagues who can enhance your work life and productivity.

Without further ado, please enjoy our Q&A with Jan Blaine …

Name: Jan Blaine

Title: Senior Director of Development, College of Engineering

  • I work with individuals, companies, and organizations on their philanthropic decisions that impact our students, faculty, staff, and overall college environment. Every day is different. I believe in the mission and love the people I get to know and feel I’m serving my purpose.
  • What might people not know about your job? Meeting with (initially) strangers to talk to them about their college experiences or UGA connection, personal finances, and philanthropic interests is sort of a weird thing to do, but I love it! Planning events like donors trips is very tedious and takes a lot of time and not all meetings go well or end in donation.
Jan and his wife, Elizabeth, cheering on the Dawgs

Jan and his wife, Elizabeth, cheering on the Dawgs

Where can we find you?

  • Online: ude.agu@enialbj
  • On Campus: 130D Paul D. Coverdell Center
  • At home: Bishop, Georgia

Time in DAR: 5 years on May 1st!

  • Why do you love working here? The institution and the people – I am a believer in the Land Grant mission and seeing UGA serve this state and its constituents well is what it’s all about.
  • No. 1 tip for someone joining DAR: Get to know your colleagues, understand their roles and best practices to collaborate.
  • What have you been most proud of working on? Completing the Driftmier Engineering Center renovations.

Where did you grow up? Starkville, Mississippi

Where do you like to grab lunch in Athens? Taqueria del Sol

My family… I am blessed with a wonderful family, my wife Elizabeth, my sons Knox (9) and Beau (7), and my daughter Charlotte (2). We also have a dog named Molly.

Jan with his wife, Elizabeth, and children, Knox, Beau, and Charlotte

On a typical Saturday evening, you can find me… Playing with my kids, football, bike riding, remote control car racing, ping pong, Nintendo Switch, etc. We don’t get bored.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about… Basketball – I am a huge fan of the sport. I’ll watch NBA games on a random night. NBA on TNT is the best sports show.

Favorite podcast? Thunder & Lightning – Mississippi State athletics podcast

Lately, I’ve been watching… Yellowstone

A song that really pumps me up is… “Heavy Eyes” by Zach Bryan

Jan rafting with friends

Something you might not know about me is… I interned for an NFL team, lived in Thailand for a summer, and in 5th grade my school was hit by a tornado.

My dream vacation (cost and time aside) would be to visit… Patagonia – I love to hike and camp.

We hope you learned something new about Jan —we are lucky to have him on our DAR team! Feel free to reach out to him for some South Campus recommendations or for any information about the College of Engineering.

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