Kelley School of Business grad writes education best-seller

An IU alumnus and education activist released his book, "Failure is Not an Option," in July and it's already a best-seller.\nAlan M. Blankstein graduated in 1986 with an MBA from the Kelley School of Business, where he founded the IU Entrepreneurs Club. His book documents school successes and provides clear directions for education leaders to do the same. \n"My experience at IU has affected my career tremendously," Blankstein said. \nComing from such a background in college, Blankstein said he made a personal commitment to share his life experiences with readers. In his newly released book, Blankstein highlights three main points about educational leadership. First, he explains that failure is not an option. Second, he looks at what it takes to become a courageous leader. And third, Blankstein explains what the best schools are doing with learning communities. \nAs a student at IU, Blankstein worked part time at the international headquarters of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education fraternity, in Bloomington. With the help of Professor Hans Thorellik, who Blankstein considers "a real mentor," he created his own business called "Singing Valentines," a Valentine's Day singing telegram service.\nAfter graduating, Blankstein worked with youth-serving organizations like the March of Dimes and Phi Delta Kappa. In 1987, he founded the National Education Service, which he directed for 12 years. He then founded and became president of the HOPE Foundation in Bloomington, which provides support for educational leaders and helps reshape school communities. The HOPE Foundation provides training videos for education leaders, conducts summits and creates leadership academies. \nBlankstein has shown a consistent interest in improving education leadership.\n"I was an at-risk kid," Blankstein said. "I lived in a group home in New York. I want to help the same kind of kid I once was." \nExecutive Director of HOPE Foundation Nancy Shin says the book is "a publication that draws on our experience over the last 15 years of what makes schools successful." \nShin admits that working with someone as passionate as Blankstein is challenging but inspirational. \n"Working with Alan is like climbing a mountain," Shin said. "He has very great dreams. It's all in the service of the kids."\n-- Contact staff writer Christie Burke at chlburke@indiana.edu.