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Five Lenoir–Rhyne University faculty and staff members completed the BRIDGES Academic Leadership Program at UNC–Chapel Hill during the fall 2025 semester. Participants included Carla Fowler, assistant dean of students; Donna Davidson, university controller; Teena Brooks, director of BEAR Central; Ashley Clack, mental health counselor and health and wellness center manager; and Nicole Coffey, interim program director of occupational therapy department and associate professor.

"Supporting participation in BRIDGES is part of a broader effort to invest in leadership development at Lenoir–Rhyne," said Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, who previously completed the program herself. She currently serves on the advisory board for BRIDGES.

“When we invest in the growth and development of our faculty and staff, the benefits are felt immediately across the university,” Burris said. “As a BRIDGES participant myself, I’ve seen firsthand how the program challenges individuals to think differently about leadership and return with new perspective, stronger skills and a deeper understanding of how their work supports our students and our mission.”

Burris is part of a growing group of ������Ƶ leaders who have participated in the program over the years. Other past BRIDGES participants include Astra Czerny, associate professor, College of Education and Human Services. Judy Lineberger, executive assistant to the provost in the Office of Academic Affairs and Tunay Oguz, MBA program director and assistant dean of the College of Business and Economics. 

For Carla Fowler, ’97, M.A. ’16, assistant dean of students, the experience offered an opportunity to reflect more deeply on leadership and its impact across campus. “The program encouraged me to reimagine what leadership can look like — not just as a position of authority, but as a capacity to influence, connect and innovate in ways that advance our institution’s mission.” 

An intensive leadership development program for higher education, BRIDGES brings together faculty, administrators and professional staff from across North Carolina. Through four weekend sessions, participants explore the complexities of academic leadership, including institutional operations, strategic decision-making and values-driven leadership. The 2025 theme, “Leading in a Time of Transformation,” emphasized the role leaders play in guiding change while developing leadership capacity in others.

Ashley Clack, M.A. ’22, mental health counselor and health and wellness center manager, said the experience strengthened her self-awareness and sense of empowerment. “The one word that has stuck with me since day one is empowered,” Clack said. “BRIDGES left me energized, curious and more confident in the impact I can have on others.”

For Teena Brooks, M.A. ’17, director of BEAR Central, the program reinforced the importance of authentic leadership and confidence in her own voice. “BRIDGES reminded me how valuable my perspective is and encouraged me to approach leadership with confidence,” she said. “Being surrounded by thoughtful, courageous colleagues was inspiring, and their insights and encouragement made the experience both meaningful and empowering.”

Since 1993, more than 1000 individuals have completed the BRIDGES program. 35 to 40 participants are accepted each year from four-year colleges and universities across North Carolina. Lenoir–Rhyne’s participation this fall was notable, with five faculty and staff members selected from a single institution — a reflection of both the strength of the applicants and the university’s ongoing support for leadership development.

University controller Donna Davidson ’05, MBA ’08, said the structure of the program created a meaningful learning environment while also strengthening professional relationships. “The size of the group was perfect — large enough to be diverse, but small enough to encourage open and thoughtful conversation. Spending that time together deepened our understanding of one another’s roles, strengthened the way we collaborate back on campus and reinforced connections that have grown into genuine friendships.”

The knowledge and skills gained through BRIDGES have immediate benefits for students. By strengthening leadership, collaboration and decision-making among faculty and staff, the program helps create a more supportive and effective learning environment. It also enhances campus programs and ensures that student success remains at the center of university initiatives.

Nicole Coffey ’04, M.S. ’06, DrOT, interim program director of occupational therapy department and associate professor, highlighted the immediate impact of the program on her work. “BRIDGES provided tools and strategies I am already applying in my work with students and colleagues,” she said. “It has strengthened how I collaborate, lead and support student success on campus.”