In Memoriam: Constance Bland, 1958-2018

Constance Bland, vice president of academic affairs at Mississippi Valley State University, passed away on October 9. She was 60 years old.

Dr. Bland joined the faculty at Mississippi Valley State University in 1991 and was promoted to chair of the mathematics, computer, and information sciences department in 1999. She was named vice president in 2014. During her tenure as vice president, Dr. Bland secured over $2 million in external funding and developed the university’s annual Women in Science and Technology Conference which is designed to encourage girls in grades 7 through 12 to consider majoring in STEM disciplines.

“As the chief academic officer, Dr. Bland has played a critical role in creating a culture of academic excellence at the university. Her unwavering dedication has truly helped to keep Valley in Motion. She will be missed dearly by her MVSU family,” stated Jerryl Briggs, Sr., president of Mississippi Valley State University.

Dr. Bland held a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, a master’s degree in computer science, and a Ph.D. in computer engineering, all from the University of Mississippi.