Dr. Phillip B. Bridgmon has been named provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of South Carolina Aiken, effective July 1. Bridgmon serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Central Missouri.
As the chief academic officer responsible for providing leadership of four colleges, the university library, academic programs, and services, online and learning engagement, and enrollment management, the University of Central Missouri has increased annual enrollment by approximately 10% for three successive years, including growth in first-time in college, transfer, international, and graduate students. Bridgmon also provided leadership in support of the university's strategic plan and revisions to the general education curriculum and created an academic innovation and data analytics function to assess and introduce efficiencies in academic affairs.
"Dr. Bridgmon brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to growing the university's academic portfolio to meet the workforce needs of our region and the career aspirations of our graduates," said USCA Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann. "His distinguished career as a provost and academic leader and his passion for student success aligns perfectly with our goals of providing relevant academic programs that incorporate real-world experiences and preparing students for rewarding careers at an affordable value. I am confident that USCA will reach new heights of academic achievement under Dr. Bridgmon's leadership."
As provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs at USCA, Bridgmon will provide leadership for academic support services, the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management, the Office of Veteran and Military Student Support, the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the Gregg-Graniteville Library, the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Financial Aid. He will also provide leadership in support of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; College of Sciences and Engineering; School of Business Administration; School of Education; and School of Nursing, as well as research and academic planning, assessment, and curriculum review, accreditation, and continuing education.
"It is an honor to be chosen as USC Aiken's provost and executive vice chancellor," Bridgmon said. "I admire the university's excellent academic reputation and the values of the faculty, staff, and students. USC Aiken enjoys tremendous community support and is pursuing an exciting strategic direction. My family and I look forward to settling in Aiken and joining the wonderful people there in the great work at USCA."
Before joining the University of Central Missouri, Bridgmon held appointments as interim vice president for academic affairs at Arkansas Tech University, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Northeastern State University, and founding chairperson of the Department of Politics, Justice, Law, and Philosophy at the University of North Alabama, among others.
Bridgmon's leadership comes at a crucial time as USCA continues to evolve and expand its academic offerings and research opportunities in preparation for the completion of two new university investments – a 60,000-square-foot facility in partnership with the Department of Energy to drive long-term sustainability of the U.S. manufacturing sector and two facilities in collaboration with the South Carolina National Guard to enhance the state's cybersecurity posture.
Bridgmon is a 2023-2024 Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) award recipient to India and has published and participated in numerous academic presentations and scholarly works.
He earned a doctoral degree in political science from the University of Alabama and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of North Alabama. He also holds a certificate in financial management from Cornell University, and his steadfast commitment to professional development has included study at Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Michigan.
For more information, contact Christen Engel, (803) 641-2825, Christen.Engel@usca.edu