Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College has named Eric Blanchard '12 as the assistant athletic director for recreation. Blanchard will oversee staff and the operation of the college's recreation center.
 
"I am extremely excited to return to Rhode Island College as assistant athletic director for recreation," Blanchard said. "Rhode Island College has a long history of tradition and I am excited to help contribute to the success of my alma mater. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Tencher and the search committee for the opportunity."
 
"I am so pleased that Eric Blanchard will be returning to RIC athletics and our college family where he has spent almost one-third of his entire life," Director of Athletics Don Tencher said. "Eric is well-liked and will bring the same skill-set of energy, dedication and professionalism he was known for during his first stint to the entire student population, student-athletes and the hundreds of other events who utilize the recreation center.  He will take a huge burden from me as we continue to increase and enhance programming for all.  I wish him nothing but the best as he rejoins a great team at his alma mater."
 
Blanchard returns to RIC after spending the past two years as the director of athletics at Cumberland High School. He was tasked with the oversight of all operations of the athletic programs at the district's high school and two middle schools. 
 
Blanchard spent six years (2013-19) as the assistant to athletic director at RIC where he closely worked with Tencher. He assisted in the planning, development, implementation, coordination and the supervision of athletic and recreational programs and activities, with a special emphasis on student and student-athlete programming.
 
He has also served as an adjunct faculty member (mathematics) at RIC from 2015-2020.
 
He earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Rhode Island College in 2012. Blanchard earned a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University-Irvine (Calif.) in 2014.
 
He spent four seasons as a pitcher on the RIC baseball team from 2009-12. Blanchard closed out his four-year career at RIC having appeared in 45 games, starting four of them. He was 7-4 with one save, a 5.51 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 80 innings of work. At the conclusion of his career, Blanchard ranked fifth all-time in program history with 41 career relief appearances.
 
Blanchard resides in Coventry, Rhode Island with his wife Amanda '12.