James Blake --
Executive Vice President

James Blake, who served as the university's vice president for finance and administration from 1996-2002, boasts an impressive resume that includes eight years in the Connecticut State University system office before coming to Southern. He began in the CSU office as an assistant for audit and fiscal affairs and worked his way up in the ranks to associate vice president for finance and management.

"I enjoyed working in the CSU office, but the one thing that was lacking was interaction with students, and that was one of the reasons why I came to Southern," Blake says. "Southern is a great university and New Haven is a great city. We have exceptional students, as well as faculty and staff."

As executive vice president, Blake assists the president in handling the increasingly heavy burdens of day-to-day operational activities at the university. And while he believes his career path has prepared him well for the challenge of serving as the university's executive vice president, Blake also has the benefit of a solid aerobic training program to help him with the rigors of the job.

Blake is an avid runner who logs an average of 25 to 30 miles a week. He participates in some 30 road races throughout the year, including the annual New Haven Labor Day Road Race (20K).

A native of Buffalo, Blake moved to Connecticut as a young child. He grew up in Greenwich, as did his wife, Priscilla. The couple have lived in Lebanon for more than 30 years. They have three adult children -- Benjamin, Eric, and Patrick.

Blake is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, where he obtained a bachelor of science degree in business administration, and the University of Connecticut, where he earned a master's degree in public administration. His background also includes a stint in the U.S. Army as a member of the 8th Infantry Division, stationed in Germany.