Daniel L. Blash, vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer for the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, died on November 2. He was 54 years old.
Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Dr. Blash earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He held a master’s degree in counseling from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in counseling from the University of Missouri St. Louis. His doctoral research focused on the role of religion and spirituality among underrepresented minorities in the academic environment.
Dr. Blash joined the School of Medicine at Saint Louis University in January 2019. Previously, he served as the assistant dean of diversity and inclusion at Washington University’s School of Medicine. Prior to that, he served as a professor and faculty counselor at Southwestern Illinois College in East St. Louis, Illinois, and at Urshan College in Florissant, Missouri.
A licensed and board-certified counselor and clinical supervisor, Dr. Blash founded Blash Counseling Associates in Old North St. Louis to help bridge the gap between mental health and some of St. Louis’ underrepresented minority communities. At the time of his death, he was also pastor of the Fresh Anointing Apostolic Church in Old North St. Louis.
