We're not miracle workers. But we are a unique firm that combines a broad background in higher education with a successful track record in business.

Robert L. Bliss - President

Bob Bliss combines practical skills in higher education and business. This is a symbiotic mix, since both exercise abilities at administration, problem solving and decision making, plus a talent for bringing out the best in people. Here are some highlights of his experience in both areas:

Experience in Higher Education:

College President (Morris Harvey College - Univ. of Charleston)

Six months prior to my arrival on campus, the trustees offered the college to the State of West Virginia free of charge. They couldn't see their way out of the severe financial, morale and enrollment problems they faced.The State declined the offer. The Board then tried to hire one more new President. I was chosen. Within one year we managed to increase enrollment, turn student and faculty morale upward, increase alumni support and establish a firm beginning for stronger financial stability. The college exists today, under a new name, and boasts of still higher enrollment and stronger financial support.

Assistant to the President (Adrian College, Adrian, MI)

The President had been given an edict by the trustees to reverse the financial and enrollment difficulties of the college within one academic year or they would be forced to close the doors. Under those circumstances I was offered a one year contract. Adrian College is operating today. My duties included:

• Alumni Relations Director - A newly created position
• Office of Admissions - Newly created.
• Student Personnel - Created and supervised orientation and testing program, as well as all student housing and employment.
• College Publications - Wrote/edited monthly alumni magazine, designed/wrote college publicity brochures, advisor to student publications
• Athletic Publicity - Publicized intercollegiate athletics, wrote sports column for local paper, designed brochures, logos and schedules for athletics, announced all home games.

Assistant Director, Admissions and Scholarships (Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI)

MSU approached with a unique challenge - to attract highly qualified students (primarily National Merit Finalists) to the campus. Within two years MSU had the largest number of Merit Scholars on a college or university campus. Bob achieved similar results for Northern Michigan University (Marquette, MI). This led to an invitation to join the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to coordinate the nationwide scholarship program.

Experience in Business

President/Owner - Call Detroit Diesel Allison Corporation
Bob Bliss was asked to join a multi-million dollar firm with over 300 employees that was experiencing crippling financial losses. Within two years he turned the company around - with the highest year of profitability in the company's history. As a result, Bob Bliss acquired the company.

President/Owner Bliss Enterprises, Inc.
Starting with an idea, ten employees and no sales, the firm grew within three years to 100 employees and over $8 million in annual sales. The firm was sold after seven years to a larger company.

Jon A. McBride - Executive Associate

Jon McBride is a retired astronaut new residing in Lewisburg, WV. He is President and CEO of Flying Eagle Corporation and President of the Association of Space Explorers. A naval aviator for 24 years, culminating as the pilot on the space shuttle Challenger mission launched October 5, 1984. He was named shuttle commander for a future mission, but was deferred by NASA after the Challenger accident. He served as Assistant Administrator of NASA from 1987 until his retirement in 1989.

McBride's venture capital duties with his company and association activities puts him in contact with worldwide leaders in business and economic development. His position as President of the Space Explorers Association and his strong business background adds strength to Bliss Associates business consulting.

To contact: E MAIL

Phone: 304 346 0360

Write: R.L. Bliss & Assoc., Inc., 1402 Sweetbrier Road, Charleston, WV 25314