In Memoriam: Karen J. Blank

Karen J. Blank, dean of studies at Barnard College, died on New Year’s Eve from complications of cancer. She had taken medical leave in January 2012. Blank had been serving as dean of studies since 1993. Earlier in her career, she was associate dean for undergraduate student affairs at Columbia University and was dean of freshman at both Colgate University and Dartmouth College.

In 2013, Columbia University established the Karen Blank award which will be given annually to a female student-athlete enrolled in Barnard College, who exemplifies the qualities of academic success, athletic achievement, strong sporting behavior and commitment to community.

Blank was a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where she majored in history. She held a master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University.