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 Dr.
Bradley has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lincoln
College since January 2021, a position that includes oversight of
campus technology, academic advisement, institutional research and
registrar, disability services, the McKinstry Library, and the
Academic Support Center. The position also supervises senior
leadership positions and the Accelerated Bridge to Education (ABE)
program for working adults.
As Provost, Bradley will assume additional leadership
responsibilities, serve as chief academic officer of Lincoln
College, and act on behalf of the president in his absence.
“Dr. Bradley is well-positioned to step into the Provost position
given her phenomenal credentials, strong rapport with Lincoln
College students, and display of key leadership qualities as VPAA
over the last year,” said David Gerlach, president of Lincoln
College. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside her as we
return Lincoln College to its roots as Lincoln University.”
During her time as VPAA, Lincoln College received approval from the
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer online programs,
implemented new COVID-19 safety measures and processes, and held the
first Hooding Ceremony since 1919 honoring master’s degree
candidates.
“Without the outstanding work of the directors, faculty, and staff
at Lincoln College, I could not accomplish all that I have,” said
Bradley. “My faith journey is also an important piece to my work and
service to students at Lincoln College.”
Bradley is a licensed attorney with almost 20 years of experience
working at a private firm, the Department of Defense, and the
National Labor Relations Board. Her previous teaching experience
includes graduate and undergraduate courses at Lindenwood
University, Webster University, Maryville University, St. Charles
Community College, and Columbia College. Prior to fulfilling her
role as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Bradley was the Lead
Faculty for the Criminal Justice Program at Lincoln College.
As a third generation college student, Bradley achieved the highest
levels of academia that began with a bachelor’s degree in political
science from Brown University, a master’s degree in criminal justice
from Columbia College, a juris doctorate from Howard University
School of Law, and a doctorate degree in public safety and criminal
justice from Capella University. Bradley is currently in the
dissertation phase for her second doctorate degree in instructional
leadership with a higher education focus from Lindenwood University.
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Though a long and impressive career history, Dr. Bradley
encountered many obstacles leading up to her successes. Bradley was the first
African American student to attend St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis,
Tennessee. As a young girl in a class of just 42 students, she began her
schooling in August 1968, 4 months after the assassination of Martin Luther King
Jr. “For many of the wealthy students, the maids, butlers, and gardeners were
the only African American people they knew. Many of the girls didn’t want to
include me or their parents wouldn’t allow them to invite me over,” recalled
Bradley.
St. Mary’s Episcopal School, which increased its minority enrollment
significantly since Bradley’s matriculation, now honors a student who
demonstrates leadership, courage, conviction, resilience, perseverance, and
contributes to the discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus with
the inaugural Donna Osborne Bradley ’74 Award. The award recipient must be a
“student who embodied the spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion and worked
to demonstrate these beliefs within the St. Mary’s Episcopal School community.”
“My mantra is to strive for excellence, because mediocrity is not an option,”
noted Bradley when asked about her many achievements.
Lincoln College is entering its sixth year in the process of transitioning back
to its roots as Lincoln University. The institution continues to offer two-year
associate programs, baccalaureate degrees, graduate degree options, and recently
announced the addition of online degrees.
Lincoln College also offers its highly successful Accelerated Bridge to
Education (ABE) program for working adults. The ABE program, offered on four
Illinois campuses in Lincoln, Normal, East Peoria, and Oglesby, allows adult
learners to earn a bachelor’s degree while attending class one night a week in a
concentrated five-week format.
Lincoln College continues to add new degree options each year, along with
expanded residential housing options for students. The institution competes
competitively in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA),
with additional athletic program opportunities added in 2020.
[Lauren D. Grenlund]
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