Steven J. Bridges became President of the Ã山ǿ¼é April 2, 2025, after serving as Interim President since July 20, 2024. He is a two-time Ã山ǿ¼é alumnus and the first alum to serve in this leadership position. Bridges joined Ã山ǿ¼é in 1989 as a Staff Accountant and his career progression continued to Bursar, Chief Accountant, Controller and Assistant Business Office Director, Controller and Business Office Director, Assistant Vice President of Finance and Administration and Assistant Treasurer, and Associate Vice President of Operations and Assistant Treasurer. Prior to his appointment as Interim President, he served over nine years as the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer, the University’s chief business and fiscal officer.
"Serving as the fifth President of Ã山ǿ¼é is the greatest honor of my career. This University was built to serve students like me: first generation, limited in resources, seeking an affordable quality education close to home, working while studying, and committed to making a difference in their own community. The story of Ã山ǿ¼é is an incredible one, and I am fortunate to be part of it. The core values of Ã山ǿ¼é — integrity, transformative learning, a welcoming environment for all, and deep engagement with our community — are values that shape who I am and are foundational to how we will serve and grow future generations."