Biography

An Experienced Leader

Notre Dame de Namur University began the 2000-2001 academic year charged with the vibrant and fresh enthusiasm of its new President, Dr. John B. Oblak.

Before Dr. Oblak came to the University, he was with Ithaca College for 21 years . During the summers of 1979 and 1980, he was the Director of Summer Sessions and Continuing Education. For the next two years, Dr. Oblak served as Associate Dean of the summer courses. From 1982 to 1988, he worked as the Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences. In his last 12 years at Ithaca, he worked simultaneously as Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life.

Prior to his tenure at Ithaca College, Dr. Oblak was Assistant Dean of Academic Services and Special Programs, and also Assistant Dean of Student Life Administration at Indiana State University. In Indiana, President Oblak pursued his passion for teaching as an Associate Professor of Speech.

The exceptional experience John B. Oblak brought to Notre Dame de Namur University as its 17th President also includes 33 years of dedicated community service to multiple non-profit organizations. Much of his time was spent with the United Way of Tompkin County chairing various committees. Some of the many volunteer positions he held include Vice Chairperson of Catholic Charities of the Southern Tier Tompkins-Tioga Project, Cub Scout Den Leader, and President of United Way of Tompkins County Board of Directors.

Some of Dr. Oblak's many publications include, “Norman Bel Geddes; 1929 Pre-Broadway Production of Hamlet” (1976); Bringing Broadway to Maine: The History of the Lakewood 1900-1969 (1971); and “Education: Classroom, Independent, Applied and Residential,” (1999). He has also been recognized and awarded by international and national committees such as Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, and also Outstanding Men in America.

A native of Herkimer, New York, he earned a BS in Speech Education at the State University of New York College at Geneseo. He attended the University of Nebraska for his master's, which he earned in the area of Speech Theatre (1966). His Ph.D. in Theatre was completed at the University of Kansas in 1971.

Dr. Oblak and Janiece Bacon Oblak were married in 1966 in New York. The Oblak’s have four children; all of whom have finished their degrees in higher education and are moving forward in their professional careers. Dr. Oblak is an avid newspaper reader who enjoys attending musical concerts, sporting events, and theatre productions.