Seven women represent ECU in BRIDGES program

Seven East Carolina University women graduated this fall from the BRIDGES XIX academic leadership program. Pictured at the 2011 BRIDGES graduation are, left to right, Kathryn Verbanac, Lisa Clough, Susan Beck-Frazier, Cheryl McFadden, Tracy Gurnsey and Carol A. Brown. Participant Holly Hapke was not present for the photograph. (Contributed photo)

Seven East Carolina University women were selected to participate in BRIDGES XIX, an intensive academic leadership and professional development program for women held Sept. 9 through Nov. 12.

Selected from ECU were Susan Beck-Frazier, associate dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communication; Lisa Clough, professor of biology; Holly Hapke, professor of geography; education professors Cheryl McFadden and Carol A. Brown; Tracy Gurnsey, autopsy facility manager and medical laboratory supervisor in Pathology at the Brody School of Medicine; and Kathryn Verbanac, professor of surgery at the Brody School of Medicine.

Verbanac was elected to serve a 3-year term on the BRIDGES Advisory Board.

Over the course of four weekends in Chapel Hill, N.C., participants hone their leadership and communication skills while developing a stronger understanding of the academy. The program helps female university faculty and administrators identify, understand and move into leadership roles within higher education.

For additional information about the BRIDGES program, visit http://fridaycenter.unc.edu/pdep/bridges/.