CSU Pueblo Leader Chosen for Elite National Chair Development Program

Pueblo, COLO – Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) proudly announced that Dr. Krista D. Bridgmon, Department Chair of Counseling Psychology, successfully completed the second cohort of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI). This prestigious program was designed to empower department chairs with essential skills to navigate challenges and prepare for future administrative roles in higher education. Dr. Bridgmon's participation in this competitive program underscored her exceptional leadership and CSU Pueblo's commitment to fostering talent within its ranks.

The DCLI provided a unique opportunity for participants to gain a national perspective on the critical role of department chairs in advancing institutional missions, promoting equity, and ensuring student success. The cohort convened in Washington, D.C., for two days of intensive programming, where Dr. Bridgmon engaged with peers from across the nation, sharing best practices and developing innovative approaches to departmental leadership.

"We are immensely proud of Dr. Bridgmon's participation in this esteemed program," said Armando Valdez President of CSU Pueblo. "While educators spend years enhancing their teaching skills, the role of a department chair demands a unique set of abilities that often go beyond traditional academic training. A department chair engages in a unique blend of mixing academic teaching and administrative duties which serve students and the department. As part of this development program, Dr. Bridgmon will benefit from engaging in strategic problem-solving approaches, becoming aware of personnel management situations, and being able to resolve conflicts. These are skills that are crucial for effective departmental leadership. Her participation in the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute complements her already impressive capabilities. It will be exciting to see the transformative insights Dr. Bridgmon will bring to CSU Pueblo and our entire campus community."

Dr. Bridgmon reflected on her experience, stating, "The responsibility of the chair is to facilitate positive change through listening and forming relationships with students and colleagues. I feel blessed that my academic background is in counseling psychology and that I’ve worked as a school counselor. As an administrator, I use my counseling skills every moment of every day, serving as a GPS assisting colleagues and students to navigate their goals to fruition."

The DCLI program highlighted the critical yet often overlooked role that department chairs play in supporting student success. While many universities have campus-wide initiatives dedicated to boosting student learning, the program emphasized that academic department heads are at the forefront of these efforts. Dr. Bridgmon's participation in this program amplifies CSU Pueblo's commitment to putting student success front and center.

"This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of creating a culture shift within our department that prioritizes student success," Dr. Bridgmon added. "The skills and insights I've gained will be instrumental in fostering initiatives that support our students' academic journey and personal growth."

The CSU Pueblo community is excited to see the positive impact Dr. Bridgmon's enhanced leadership skills will have on the Department of Counseling Psychology and the university as a whole. Her participation in this program aligns perfectly with CSU Pueblo's mission to provide access and opportunity for a diverse student population through high-quality teaching and learning experiences.

For more information about the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute, please visit aascu.org.