The Bridges Common Learning Experience, a cornerstone of the undergraduate experience at 91制片厂, has a new leader: Dr. John Kern, associate dean of the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts. He assumed the role on July 1, 2026.
Grounded in 91制片厂鈥檚 Catholic and Spiritan tradition and leveraging 91制片厂鈥檚 historic
expertise in liberal arts, sciences and other academic areas, the Bridges Common Learning
Experience prepares students to build knowledge and skills to become life-long, agile
learners who succeed professionally, act ethically and contribute to the common good.
鈥淏ridges was designed by 91制片厂 faculty, students and administrators to prepare
students who are informed, equipped, engaged and inspired. It allows the flexibility
for students to customize their curriculum and incorporate experiences such as internships,
community-engaged learning, study abroad and field placements,鈥 said Kern, who also
is an associate professor of statistics and data science. 鈥淭hrough the focus on ethics,
as well as key core competencies that communicate 91制片厂鈥檚 distinctive Catholic
and Spiritan mission, Bridges helps prepare students for productive, fulfilling lives
and careers in the 21st century.鈥
Kern completed a Bachelor of Science in mathematics at Bucknell University and earned
a Master of Science and a doctorate in statistics and decision sciences at Duke University.
He previously served as a visiting researcher at a Department of Energy National Laboratory;
as an associate editor for both the Journal of Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental
Statistics and the Journal of Oral Implantology; and as a member of the leadership
team for the AP Statistics Reading.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited to work with colleagues and academic units across campus, as well as
centers and offices, to continue delivering new and innovative offerings that contribute
to Bridges and keep pace with emerging issues and technologies,鈥 said Kern.
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