BRIDGE Builders
The BRIDGE Builders are a leadership team of undergraduates who help first-year BRIDGE students construct their academic path at UA. The Builders have a primary role of providing academic support, connecting participants to the UA student experience, and facilitating activities & dialogue among participants during the BRIDGE August Kickoff event and academic year. For more information on how to be a BRIDGE Builder or to connect with someone on the Team, email Dr. Kiara S. Summerville at kssummerville@ua.edu.
Meet the BRIDGE Builder Team Leads
These two student leaders are senior-level Builders, appointed by professional staff members, who exemplify the spirit of the BRIDGE program. The Team Leads support our community by recruiting prospective students to BRIDGE, representing the program at internal and external UA events, developing meaningful relationships with their peers and facilitating the August Kickoff.
Shabezz P.
Marion, AL
Senior, CivilEngineering
Tyree B.
Butler, AL
Senior, Management Information Systems
BEAM Team
The BRIDGE Engagement & Academic Mentors (BEAM) Program provides first-year BRIDGE students access to resources tailored towards academic success and community involvement. Students are paired in groups with upper-level BRIDGE mentors, meeting regularly to understand the academic expectations of college and how to become a campus leader. During our weekly study halls, we present vital topics, from networking to mental health. By collaborating with various offices on campus, BEAM aims to develop a scholarly community of undergraduates at The University of Alabama.
Meet the BEAM Team Leads
These two student leaders prepare the BEAM curriculum every week, communicate regularly with the upper-level mentors, and send helpful information to all of the first-year BRIDGE students.
Nick Curry
Trophy Club, TX
Junior, Kinesiology (Pre-Medical)
Campus Involvement: Supplemental Instruction Tutor, Honors College, Treasurer of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, Undergraduate Research, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders UA Chapter)
TJ Lamar
Birmingham, AL
Sophomore, Chemical Engineering (Pre-Med)
Campus Involvement: CCSS Peer Tutor, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students
BRIDGE Committee
These UA faculty and staff members support The Office of Student Academic Engagement and Advocacy by serving on the BRIDGE committee. They dedicate their time and talent to the success of the program.
Dr. Kiara Summerville
Director
Student Academic Engagement & Advocacy
Isaiah Kyles
Coordinator
Student Academic Engagement & Advocacy
Dr. Andre Denham
Associate Professor
Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs
Joe Hawley
Coordinator of Career & Leadership Development
Alabama Athletics
Jerran Hill
Director
Blackburn Institute
Dr. Utz McKnight
Associate Dean, Chair of Department of Gender & Race Studies
Professor of Political Science
