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Beth Bridgeman
Seed-Sovereignty, Reskilling and Resilience, Commensality - Associate Professor of Cooperative Education, Antioch College
Professional Background
Beth Bridgeman is a seasoned educator and advocate for community engagement, specializing in experiential learning and sustainable agriculture. As an Associate Professor of Cooperative Education at Antioch College, Beth leverages her deep comprehension of co-constructed learning and agrarian systems to enrich students' experiences. She effectively utilizes the Antioch Farm and campus as a living laboratory where students can engage actively in their learning journeys. With a strong focus on themes such as reskilling, resilience, and the importance of plant medicine, Beth’s teaching philosophy centers around student-centered experiential learning, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for all her students.
Prior to her current role, Beth dedicated twelve impactful years as a county extension educator with The Ohio State University. During this time, she was pivotal in creating sustainable agriculture programs and providing experiential learning opportunities for both youth and adults. Her leadership allowed her to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and community involvement, laying the groundwork for future generations to contribute positively to their ecosystems.
Education and Achievements
Beth Bridgeman's educational background is as diverse as her professional experience. She studied for her Master in International Administration at the prestigious School for International Training, where she honed her skills in international relations and gained a global perspective on education and sustainable practices. Earlier, she earned her Bachelor's degree at the University of Northern Colorado, providing her with a solid foundation in liberal arts and sciences. Additionally, Beth has continued her education at the Center on Philanthropy at IUPUI, which complements her extensive hands-on experience with effective community engagement and support programs.
Career Contributions
In addition to her role at Antioch College, Beth Bridgeman has greatly enriched various organizations throughout her career. She served as the Program Director at Soroptimist International of the Americas, where she worked on initiatives to empower women and promote gender equity. Furthermore, her role as Senior International Program Specialist at Girl Scouts of the USA allowed her to implement programs that integrated youth leadership and global engagement, helping to cultivate young leaders ready to make a difference in their communities. Beth’s work as an ESL teacher at Kanda University and as an Agriculture Volunteer with the US Peace Corps reflects her commitment to connecting people through education and sustainable practices globally.
Notable Academic and Professional Achievements
- Innovative Course Development: At Antioch College, Beth has developed and taught courses that focus on critical contemporary issues including agrarian systems, plant medicine, and sustainability, which have been recognized for their innovation and practical applications.
- Leadership in Sustainable Programs: Instrumental in implementing university-wide sustainable programs at Ohio State University, enhancing agricultural education and promoting green practices in local communities.
- Community Impact through Extension Services: With over a decade of experience in Cooperative Education and Extension Services, Beth has been a guiding force for numerous projects that have had a lasting impact on the agricultural practices and resilience of local communities.
- Cross-Cultural Educational Initiatives: Her experience as a Program Director and International Specialist has equipped Beth with unique insights into cross-cultural exchanges and the importance of global perspectives in education.
- Commitment to Experiential Learning: A strong advocate for hands-on learning, Beth has continuously designed programs that center on student engagement, ensuring learners exit her courses with practical skills that can be directly applied to their communities.