“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” —William Ward
Dr. Constance Bland was an inspiration for students and those fortunate enough to know and work with her at Mississippi Valley State University and beyond.
In 1991, Bland joined the faculty at Mississippi Valley State University as an energetic instructor, eager to nurture her students into competent and capable professionals.
Her passion and love for teaching were evident as she worked her way up to become an assistant professor in 1995 and department chair soon after in 1999.
In 2014, when she was promoted again as the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Bland never lost focus on what was important—her students.
She served as the University’s chief academic officer with diligence and candor until the very end.
Bland passed away Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018.
She was 60-years-old.
MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr. expressed profound sympathy to Bland’s family and friends in a letter to the university community following her untimely death.
“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,” Briggs said.
An avid researcher and writer, Bland was the author of several scholarly publications and helped to secure more than $2 million in external funding for the University. She was the mastermind behind the University’s annual Women in Science and Technology (WIST) conference, which has, since 1991, inspired hundreds of young girls to pursue STEM careers and majors.
Dr. Latonya Garner, chair of MVSU’s MCIS department, credits Bland for her career and educational success.
“Dr. Constance Bland was an exemplary leader. After receiving my Ph.D., Dr. Bland took a chance on me,” said Garner.
“From day one, she has been my role model. When I first began working at Mississippi Valley State University, Dr. Bland did her best to mold me into a better educator. I can truly say that the impact that Dr. Bland has made on my life will forever be remembered, and I’m eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to know her in addition to working under her tutelage,” Garner added.
Currently a computer technician for the Desoto County School District, MVSU alumnus Bradford Fair of Clarksdale said it was Bland who influenced him to receive a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
“It was the best decision I ever made in regard to my career path. Dr. Bland was one of a kind. She was, in my opinion, brilliant, professional, and, most of all, compassionate and caring for her students,” said Fair.
One of Fair’s fondest memories of Dr. Bland was how she pushed him to do something that he did not understand the importance of at the time.
“There was a J.C. Watts Foundation competition going on, and it required individuals to design a webpage. No one in the department participated, and Dr. Bland came in the room furious and expressed her level of disappointment that we hadn’t submitted anything into the competition,” Fair recalled.
“I remember she said, ‘We are not doing anything today, and it’s mandatory that you go and submit a web page by the deadline today at 5 p.m.’ So, I did just what was asked of me. During our final exams, students had to do a one-on-one in Dr. Bland's office. While I was taking my exam, her phone rang, and it was one of the deans. Dr. Bland hung up the phone and said, ‘I can't believe it! You won the J.C. Watts web page design contest. You will receive the maximum award which is $10,000.’ She was so excited that until this day I'm not sure if I even finished my final exam,” Fair said with a chuckle.
Dr. Elizabeth Evans, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, recalled how Bland’s love for teaching went far beyond the classroom.
“She touched so many people with her graceful way of sharing the things she knew and had experience with,” said Evans. “She had a heart for teaching and taught those around her—whether in the classroom, meetings, conversations, writing, research or even in times of her quiet resolve. She modeled the expectations bestowed on others.”
Evans, who worked side-by-side with Bland for many years, said Bland was an exemplary leader.
“As a leader, she was strategic in devising policies, processes, and plans for future organizational growth and sustainment. She encouraged others to push themselves and soar to accomplish their dreams. Her magnetic personality made others comfortable and secure in their abilities. Let us not forget her smile which was her persuasion; it melted away contention and anxiety,” she said.
Despite the enormity of her responsibilities, Bland served with humility and grace.
“Her walk with God was evident as she gave true humble service in her many roles throughout the University; culminating with huge and demanding responsibilities as the chief academic officer,” Evans said. “To say she will be missed doesn’t begin to describe the loss felt at Mississippi Valley State University, the surrounding communities (especially Dog Bog, Mississippi), the state and many places across the nation.”