Dr. Phil Bridgmon currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Recognized as a deeply experienced leader with strong commitments to shared governance and student success, Bridgmon has worked with his colleagues at UCM to develop a vision and strategies that have reversed enrollment declines, established record retention, revised general education, and expanded the use of data analysis. This collaborative spirit also includes a recent strategic plan update to account for the realities created by the current pandemic.
Prior to joining UCM as Provost, Bridgmon served at Arkansas Tech University as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2018-2019 and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Northeastern State University from 2012-2017. Bridgmon served his undergrad alma mater, University of North Alabama, from 2004-2012 where earned tenure and rank of Professor and served as a Founding Chair (2007-2012) and Graduate Coordinator. Earlier in his career, he held faculty appointments at Grand Valley State University and James Madison University.
Originally from the Appalachian foothills of Alabama, Dr. Bridgmon earned an undergraduate degree at the University of North Alabama (Psychology) before earning a Master of Science (Criminal Justice) and Ph.D. (Political Science) from The University of Alabama. He has also completed specialized study and leadership development programs at Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, Cornell University, and University of Michigan.
As a first-generation college student, Bridgmon is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive campus climate with an unwavering focus on the hopes and aspirations of students, families, alumni, and the citizens who support our colleges and universities.
Phil is married to Dr. Shannon Bridgmon and they have three sons–Thomas (15), Will Owen (11), and Oliver (8).