Andrea Blaylock
Andrea Blaylock, chair of Triton College’s Engineering Technology Department, was thrilled when presented with the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty of the Year Award this past spring—an achievement that left her thrilled and humbled.
“I’m thankful for the administration and board for acknowledging the dedication and effort I’ve invested in supporting our students,” Blaylock said. “It means so much.”
Reflecting on the moment, she added, “I was speechless when I found out that I won, and I’m a talker! It’s an honor.”
Blaylock’s journey began in her hometown of Philadelphia, where her passion for technology took root in high school. Blaylock went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a second bachelor’s degree in apparel design from Dominican University. She completed a master’s degree in career and technical education from Ball State University.
Over her 34-year career in engineering, Blaylock held positions in several states before settling in the Chicago area. She worked as an Industrial Power Systems Sales Engineer in Oak Brook, Ill., before shifting her focus to family and community.
“During my time in Chicago, I got married and had four kids,” she said. “I decided to become a stay-at-home mom, but I wanted something more. Clearly, I have a lot of energy.”
A Forest Park resident, Blaylock became active in her community and wrote for the Forest Park Review and served on the Forest Park Library Board. Her path toward teaching began after meeting Antigone Sharris, Triton College Engineering Technology Full time faculty at Proviso Math and Science Academy Robotics Team mentors meeting.
“The rest is history,” said Blaylock, after meeting Sharris. “I started working as a Triton adjunct in 2011 and then a full-time instructor in 2013. I became the chair of the department in 2024.”
At Triton, Blaylock has taught a variety of classes from mechatronics, a program she has developed, to electricity, robotics, designing, engineering graphics and descriptive geometry courses. She also oversees curriculum development and programming and coordinates youth summer campus at Triton, such as Girls Adventuring in Design, Engineering and Technology (GADgET), CampBotics, and Tech-Style
Blaylock said her teaching “stands out” because of her genuine empathy for others, especially her students. As a life-long learner, she likes to share her knowledge with students enrolled in her classes.
“The Triton community is so important,” she explained. “Triton is a place where anyone has access and an opportunity for higher education.
As a resident in the Triton community, Blaylock is proud to be a resident of Forest Park and of the relationships she’s built.
“I make sure all of my students have a sense of belonging,” she said. “I strive to ensure that everyone grasps the material and feels confident in their understanding.”