The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engieering is pleased to announce that Christopher Blanding was appointed as the Director of Admissions in December 2024. With an impressive 25 years of leadership experience, Mr. Blanding is ideally suited to lead our admissions team and advance our mission of attracting talented and promising students from across the state.
A native of Sumter, SC, Christopher brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education-English/African American Studies, Magna Cum Laude, from Shaw University, as well as an MBA in Public Policy from North Carolina State University. His diverse professional background has seen him excel in various industries, including education, food service, broadcasting, coaching, and admissions.
Christopher began his career as a high school English teacher in Sumter County Schools before working as a District Manager for the Waffle House Corporation. From there, he spent a decade in broadcasting as a Marketing Director. He later returned to education as Head Basketball Coach at Columbia High School. Over seven years, Christopher held multiple roles within Huntsville City Schools, serving as Head Basketball Coach, Intervention Specialist, and Athletic Director at Columbia High School. He continued his leadership in athletics and education by becoming the Head Boys Basketball Coach at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Huntsville, AL.
Joining the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) in 2021, Christopher served as an Admissions Regional Recruiter, Admissions Counselor, Head Boys Basketball Coach, and ACCEL Specialist. His outstanding work and leadership at ASCTE have prepared him for this new role as Director of Admissions, where we are confident he will drive successful recruitment strategies and strengthen our admissions efforts.
Christopher’s dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has garnered numerous accolades, including 2015 ASHAA State 6A Coach of the Year, 2017 Huntsville City Schools Coach of the Year, 2018 AHSAA Regional Athletic Director of the Year, and 2019 Huntsville City Schools Athletic Director of the Year, among others. These accomplishments reflect his deep commitment to excellence and leadership in every role he pursues.
Outside of work, Christopher resides in Huntsville with his wife Kimberly, and their six children, Marcus, Mychal, Alyssa, Kortney, Bryan, and Breann. He is passionately engaged in his community, devoting his time to mentorship, church involvement, and civic service. He is also an avid reader, a lover of music, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.