Miami Presents: 40 years of the Bridges Program

Join us for part two of our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Bridges Program at Miami University. The presenters, alumnae Dr. Monica Adkins ‘89 and Jonika Moore ‘98, both play a vital role in the current program’s success through the admissions department and the student success center.

The Bridges Program invites high-achieving high school seniors from historically underrepresented populations, as well as students who have a commitment to promoting a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity, to engage with our current students, faculty, and staff. The program attracts students who represent various diverse identities — racial/ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity, and socioeconomic.

You can watch a recording of the first part of the anniversary celebration featuring the program founders, an alum and a student here: https://alumlc.org/miamioh/11187

Dr. Monica Adkins ‘89 is a Senior Assistant Director for Miami University’s Student Success Center. Dr. Adkins earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in public administration from Miami University. In her current role, she serves as the coordinator of the Bridges Scholars Program. The program is designed for students recruited from diverse backgrounds to have a successful transition into the university. It offers the following for students: involvement in the Bridges Scholars student organization, a Bridges Scholars Living Learning Community, scholarly leadership and social development, success coaching, building a professional network of faculty, staff, and students, preparation for life after college, and connecting with Bridges Program participants via volunteer opportunities such as hosting, assisting with the program, or outreach activities.  She serves as a “Success Coach” which offers advice, gives guidance, and helps students to eliminate any barriers that they may face. Dr. Adkins earned a masters of public administration degree and doctoral degree in education from the University of Cincinnati.

Jonika Moore ‘98 serves as the Senior Associate Director, Diversity Initiatives for Miami’s Admissions Office.  A native of Dayton, she graduated from Miami with a Bachelors of Arts degree in elementary education. During her time at Miami, she participated in the Diversity Affairs Council and became a member of the Lambda Mu chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. During time at Miami’s Admissions Office, she has been at the heart of the university’s recruitment of students from diverse backgrounds. She helped organize programming for the Bridges program which brings high school students from all around the state and out of state to campus for a two day visit. She previously served on the Miami University Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.

The presentation is free to watch online, but registration is required.  Please reach out to Seth Seward, sewardsg@miamioh.edu with questions.