Arboretum is ‘an exciting opportunity’ for Erskine, says Blalock

Chemistry graduate Kevin Blalock ’96 brings experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the governing committee of the Janice Hamilton Haldeman Arboretum at Erskine, which was accredited and established in spring 2025.

Blalock, who earned an MBA at the University of Minnesota, is past president and chair of the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (JABG) in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended his first Erskine arboretum committee meeting in February this year.

Blalock first expressed an interest in Erskine’s arboretum when he met with Associate Vice President for Advancement and Strategy Beth Boyd during her visit to the Jacksonville area.

“He has great ideas, experience, and knowledge,” Boyd says. “The strength that he brings to the committee includes his knowledge of operations and grant opportunities and his thoughts and ideas on fundraising, as we define our strategy for our first steps.”

Blalock’s attraction to arboreta grew from his love of the outdoors. “I have always enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, and wildlife, and I passed that down to my sons, visiting places that were beautiful and inspiring,” he says. “Arboreta offer an excellent way to experience nature.”

During his recent service as president and chair of the arboretum in Jacksonville, JABG’s annual revenue grew from an estimated $50,000 to nearly $3 million—without charging admission.

“In Jacksonville, we took a brilliant asset and have grown it from a ‘best kept secret’ to a top local attraction,” he recalls.

Emphasizing that Erskine’s arboretum is “worth experiencing as is, whether you are a student, an outdoors enthusiast, a scientist, or just a visitor passing through,” Blalock is excited about the prospect of creating programs for students, visitors, and area residents.

The arboretum at Erskine was only established about a year ago, and its location on a college campus means that its organization and governance differ from that of the Jacksonville Arboretum. Blalock is confident, however, that as Erskine develops a master plan for the arboretum, it can grow as an attraction and an educational resource.

“We are early and have a slightly different focus, but there is an exciting opportunity here for Erskine,” he says.

In addition to Kevin Blalock, governing committee members for the Janice Hamilton Haldeman Arboretum at Erskine include Associate Vice President for Advancement and Strategy Beth Boyd; Vice President for Operations and Strategic Planning Bobby Clarke; Professor Emerita of Biology Dr. Jan Haldeman, who is the arboretum’s namesake; Director of Marketing and Communications Brianne Holmes; Facilities Grounds Manager Michael Lewis; Director of Campus Operations Randy Moore; and an Erskine College student representative.

Pictured at top of page: Kevin Blalock with JABG CEO Dana Doody, a key driver in the growth of the Jacksonville Arboretum. (photo – Florida Times-Union)