New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has nominated Dr. Brian Bridges as the next Secretary of Higher Education, according to NJB Magazine.
Bridges is currently the vice president of research and member engagement at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). He was formally the vice provost for diversity, access, and equity at Ohio University.
“Dr. Brian Bridges has the vision and experience needed to put a college education within reach for more students, including continuing our highly successful Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program,” said Murphy. “I know he’ll be a fierce advocate for our students and will work closely with both public and private college and university leaders to expand opportunity while promoting equity and access for all.”
Dr. Brian BridgesBridges said he is humbled by the appointment.
“I have a deep and abiding faith in the power of colleges and universities to not only provide life-changing educational experiences but to also serve as economic engines and hubs of innovation and intellectual discovery,” said Bridges. “I look forward to working with leaders across the Garden State to develop and refine policies and practices that further improve student success, create efficiencies of scale, and strengthen the higher education enterprise.”
Bridges is scheduled to begin his new role on Nov. 16, 2020 pending confirmation from the New Jersey Senate.
