Blanchard was born in Orange, New Jersey and grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He attended New Rochelle High School, graduating in 1957. Kenneth Blanchard He completed a BA degree in government and philosophy at Cornell University in 1961, a MA degree in sociology and counseling at Colgate University in 1963 and a PhD degree in education administration and leadership at Cornell University in 1967. Ken Blanchard professional speaker As an undergraduate at Cornell, he was a brother of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), and Blanchard was selected for membership in the Quill and Dagger society. In the 1960s, Ken co-developed the Situational Leadership theory and model with Paul Hersey.

Among many accolades, Blanchard has been honored as one of the top 10 Leadership professionals in the international Leadership Gurus survey for 2007 and 2008. The “ Leadership Gurus survey” award, by Global Gurus International identifies the top and most influential Leadership professionals in the world by merit and public voting.

Blanchard is a Cornell University trustee emeritus and visiting professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Blanchard offers tips for success to students He and his wife were named Cornell Entrepreneurs of the Year in 1991. Entrepreneurship@Cornell Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year Award