Chris Blanks
Astronauts know the strange feeling of returning to Earth after a flight in space.
NASA employee Chris Blanks now knows what it is like to re-enter a world after a long absence.
Blanks, a lead SharePoint developer with NASA in Houston, has returned to Southern Arkansas University to complete his degree more than 20 years after first enrolling.
“It’s a goal that I’ve had,” Blanks said of his return to SAU. “Regardless of the success I’ve had in life, there’s a level of fulfillment in me for finishing college.”
Blanks began at SAU in the summer of 2004 after being recruited to play defensive end for the Muleriders out of Elsik High School in Houston. Even as a freshman, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in a technical field. However, he had no idea of the twists and turns his life would take.
“Going into college, I always wanted to be an engineer, so I always had my sights set on something technical,” Blanks said. “With the degree options available at SAU, I thought I might end up in the field of information systems.”
Blanks attended SAU and played for the Muleriders through the fall of 2005 before returning home with hopes of continuing his football career.
“I took a step back and returned to the Houston area,” Blanks said. “I wanted to put myself in a position to continue my football career in a different place closer to home.”
After attending community college for a year, Blanks enrolled at Prairie View A&M University in the spring of 2007 with plans to join the football team. However, issues with his transfer prevented him from joining the team.
During this time, he began working toward a degree in information systems. “That laid the foundation for my career now and my return to SAU,” Blanks said.
Another turning point came in 2007 when Blanks earned an internship with M-I SWACO, a drilling company that provided environmental solutions. As an intern, Blanks built prototypes for drilling solutions, including a method for extracting fluids from oil-saturated cuttings pulled during drilling.
“We did it in a way that was environmentally safe,” Blanks said.
The company was acquired by Schlumberger in 2010. Blanks went on to work as a control systems engineer and business analyst, spending time in Italy during his final year with the company.
In 2013, Blanks accepted a position as a technical systems analyst with BMC Software in the Houston area, where he worked on a company rebranding project. He then became a senior business systems analyst with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. in the fall of 2014.
Five years later, Blanks joined Occidental Drilling Solutions. When the COVID-19 pandemic began the following spring, he transitioned to remote work as an IT consultant with Sony Corporation of America.
Blanks joined NASA in May of 2025 and still finds it a dream come true.
“It’s amazing. It’s a dream,” Blanks said. “I spent a lot of time looking up at the stars and wondering what was out there. And to be one step closer is a dream to me.”
Chris Blanks and daughter, Christian
A visit to the SAU campus in 2025 reignited his desire to finish what he had started more than two decades earlier.
Blanks has a 15-year-old daughter, Christian, and hopes his commitment to completing his education will serve as an example to her.
“I hope that my returning to school can be an example to her,” Blanks said. “When I advocate for education, I don’t want there to be any appearance of being a hypocrite or any doubt in her ability to accomplish any goal that she sets for herself.”
“When she sees me up late, she’s always asking if she can help with my homework,” Blanks added with a laugh.
During his first years at SAU, Blanks became a member of the Kappa Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has remained an active alumnus of the organization.
Blanks returned to the classroom at SAU in spring 2026, taking his first classes at the University in more than 20 years. He was named to the Dean’s List and is set to earn his associate degree in December. He is on track to graduate with a degree in information systems analytics in spring 2028.
He hopes his story will inspire others who may be considering returning to college after time away.
“I think about how immensely blessed I have been,” Blanks said. “I think about what this means to those around me. It’s a blessing to be able to help others and help my daughter.”
For those who wonder whether they, like Blanks, can return to school after years away, he has an emphatic answer.
“You can do it,” Blanks said. “It’s never too late. There are opportunities. If you really want to do it, you’ll find a way.”
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies.
