The United Negro College Fund will open its doors to an Ohio University administrator in March, prompting another search in a year peppered with employee turnover at OU.
Brian Bridges, Ohio University’s vice provost for diversity, access, and equity, will leave OU Feb. 22 to serve as the executive director of the United Negro College Fund’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute in Fairfax, Va., starting March 5.
“My time at OU has been very rewarding,” Bridges said. “We’ve had to deal with difficult challenges in how to deal with budget cuts, and it’s been very rewarding that in spite of those challenges, we’ve been able to advance the university’s culture of diversity as well as how the campus and the community think about diversity in a more inclusive manner than they did before.”
The office of Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit will conduct a search for Bridges’ replacement.
David Descutner, dean of the University College and associate provost for undergraduate studies, will take on Bridges’ duties in an interim capacity as needed, according to a university news release.
Bridges will conduct research for the institute, serve as an editor and contributor for its publications, and work with external consultants.
He said the institute approached him about the job after he was introduced by an acquaintance who works there.
Bridges has worked in OU’s Office of Diversity, Access, and Equity since 2009, according to a previous university news release.
The office aims to “integrate diversity initiatives into every facet of university life,” according to OU’s website. Bridges makes $142,957.
He added that he is leaving OU because of family obligations.
“Dr. Bridges has done amazing things for diversity, access and equity at Ohio University,” said Becky Watts, chief of staff to OU President Roderick McDavis. “He has increased awareness of diversity issues. He’s been an excellent member of the team at OU.”
Bridges is closely involved with LINKS, a mentoring program for first-year multicultural students.
“I’ve met pretty much all of my friends in the minority community through LINKS; they’re some of my best friends,” said Blake Montgomery, a freshman studying biological sciences and a LINKS participant. “It’s really nice to be able to be around people who understand what it’s like to be a minority on OU’s campus.”
Bridges also works with multicultural student organizations and serves as a mentor for students.
“When I was trying to decide what I wanted to do after graduation, he helped pick my brain a little bit and guide me and give me his advice,” said Chrysten Crockett, a senior studying public relations and president of the Black Student Union. “He’s been really supportive of the multicultural community, trying to help us strengthen our possibility of success after graduation.”
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