Justin Blessinger

Justin Blessinger is a Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator for English at Dakota State University (DSU), where he also advises the Trojan Times Department. He holds a PhD from the University of South Dakota, an MA from Emporia State University, and a BA from Tabor College. His teaching and research span creative writing, modernist literature, media studies, and British Isles literature. As Director of the DSU AdapT Lab for Accessible Technology, he develops assistive tech solutions like the Goto navigation app and advocates for accessibility through initiatives like the Barrier-Free Learning Committee. His creative works include poetry and fiction featured in journals like The Bear Deluxe Magazine and South Dakota Review, earning awards such as the 2008 Doug Fir Fiction Prize.

Dr. Blessinger’s scholarly contributions include grants totaling over $100K for projects like accessible tech development and the South Dakota Writers Series. Collaborating with Dr. Chris Olson, he created cloud-based rubric systems for academic assessment, presented at the Higher Learning Commission conference, and pioneered semi-automated grading software. His interdisciplinary work bridges literary studies with STEM through labs like the AdapT Lab and community projects like modified vehicles for disabled children via Go Baby Go.

• Education: PhD (USD), MA (ESU), BA (Tabor College)
• Key Roles: AdapT Lab Director, Go Baby Go collaborator, Barrier-Free Learning Committee founder
• Recent Grants: 2020 i6 Development Grant ($25K), 2020 SD Humanities Council Grant ($6K)

His awards include Time Magazine’s 2006 ‘Person of the Year’ and teaching accolades like the Ernest M. Teagarden Award. Beyond academia, he champions accessibility advocacy, regional literary initiatives, and tech-driven pedagogical innovation.