UA Grantham 75th Anniversary – Interview with Chancellor Lindsay Bridgeman

As UA Grantham celebrates 75 years of expanding access to education, we sat down with Chancellor Lindsay Bridgeman to reflect on the university’s remarkable journey. From its beginnings as the Grantham Radio License School in 1951 to its evolution as a leader in online higher education and member of the University of Arkansas System, UA Grantham has remained grounded in a mission of opportunity, innovation, and student success. In this special anniversary interview, Chancellor Bridgeman shares insights on the university’s history, defining moments, challenges, and vision for the future.

Question: Chancellor Bridgeman, as we celebrate 75 years of UA Grantham, let’s start at the beginning. What inspired the founding of the university?

Chancellor Bridgeman: UA Grantham started out as the Grantham Radio License School, which was founded in 1951 by Donald Grantham, a WWII veteran. He saw a business opportunity at the confluence of new technology, government regulation, demand for training, and funding availability. From these market forces emerged a simple but powerful idea: that education should be accessible regardless of one’s circumstances. Donald Grantham understood that talent is everywhere, but opportunity and access is not always evenly distributed. That belief became the foundation of our institution, and 75 years later, it still defines who we are. We exist to open doors, to create pathways, and to ensure that motivated learners have the opportunity to advance their education and their lives, no matter where or how old they are.

Question: That mission has remained remarkably consistent. How has the school evolved over time?

Chancellor Bridgeman: While our mission indeed has stayed consistent, the way we go about it has evolved with time.  Throughout our 75 years we served students through a variety of ways. At times the school had multiple campuses throughout the United States; later the school shifted to the distance learning model. The most significant milestone, of course, was the advent of the internet and its enablement of online learning, in the late 90s. By the early 2000s, the school was an online only school, which gave us the ability to expand our program offerings and serve students worldwide in the modern way we are used to today.  Throughout the past 75 years the school grew from offering programs focused on technology to including programs in fields including health, business, and humanities.

Question: Over 75 years, there must have been defining moments that shaped the university. What stands out to you?

Chancellor Bridgeman: There are several moments that really stand out as transformative. The transition into online education was of course a major one, it fundamentally expanded our reach and allowed us to serve more students than ever. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 destroyed our campus which was then located in Slidell, Louisiana. In a matter of weeks the team came together and relocated to the Kansas City metro area, with minimal disruption to our students.  We still have in our office a water-demaged CPU, the “last computer standing,” encased in a display case. In 2021, our integration into the University of Arkansas System brought increased stability, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. But beyond those structural milestones, I would also point to the countless individual student success stories as defining moments. Every graduate who balanced work, family, or military service while earning their degree represents the true impact of this institution.

Question: You mentioned online education. How has that shift shaped UA Grantham’s identity?

Chancellor Bridgeman: Online education is not just something we do, it’s central to who we are. It allows us to meet students where they are, whether that’s on a military base half way around the world, or in a rural Arkansas community. Over the years, we’ve refined our approach to ensure that online learning is not only flexible, but also engaging, rigorous, and relevant. We’ve invested in instructional design, faculty support, and student services to create an online  environment where students can truly thrive. In many ways, our leadership in online education has allowed us to stay ahead of broader trends in higher education.

Question: Every institution faces challenges. What challenges have helped shape UA Grantham into what it is today?

Chancellor Bridgeman: They say “choose your hard,” and as a university we chose a challenging path that requires us to stay on our toes.  Our commitment to making education affordable means, among many things, that we do everything we can to maintain low costs for our students. That means that we have to be fiscally responsible and manage our resources with discipline. Another commitment we make is that we open our doors to any student wishing to give education a try, and while we do maintain academic standards once students are enrolled, some of our students require more support.  We are proud of the investment we make in resources and team members focused on student success.  Nevertheless, navigating these stressors is a constant challenge.

Question: How has being part of the University of Arkansas System influenced the university?

Chancellor Bridgeman: Joining the University of Arkansas System has enhanced our academic credibility, expanded our access to resources, and created new opportunities for collaboration across institutions. We have partnered with all of the two-year colleges in the UA System to build pathways for graduates of these schools to receive full credit for their associate degrees when they enroll in one of UA Grantham’s bachelor degree programs.  Another collaboration, with Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, allowed ARHP to award full scholarships to more than 130 Arkansas residents; more than 30 have already graduated and are making a positive impact in their communities. Of course, our students benefit from the prestige of earning a degree from a university that is part of a well-respected public university system. In these and many other ways, joining the UA System has positioned us for sustainable growth and long-term impact, ensuring that we can continue to serve future generations of learners.

Question: Student success is clearly at the center of everything. How has your approach to supporting students evolved?

Chancellor Bridgeman: We’ve come to understand that access alone is not enough. Today’s students need comprehensive, holistic support systems. That includes academic advising, career services, financial guidance, technology, and a sense of community. For example, every student enrolling in a degree program receives a new laptop from the university, at no extra cost to the student. This way we ensure that students have the tools they need. We invest in all these areas so that students feel supported from enrollment through graduation. We also use data and feedback to continuously improve the student experience. Our goal is not just to educate students, but to empower them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Question: Higher education is changing quickly. What trends do you think will have the biggest impact moving forward?

Chancellor Bridgeman: We’re seeing a growing demand for relevance. Students are increasingly looking for education that fits into their lives and leads directly to professional advancement. There’s also a shift toward skills-based learning, and alternative credentialing may be more than a fad. Institutions that can adapt to these trends while maintaining academic quality will be well positioned for the future. At UA Grantham, we’re paying close attention to these changes, and actively adjusting our approach to teaching and learning in order to meet the needs of modern learners.

Question: Looking ahead, what is your vision for UA Grantham over the next decade?

Chancellor Bridgeman: My vision is one of continued growth, innovation, and impact. We will work to ensure our programs align with workforce needs, enhance the online learning experience, and deepen our support for students. We will also continue to build partnerships that create new opportunities for our learners in Arkansas and nationwide. But perhaps most importantly, we will remain grounded in our mission. As we grow, we will stay focused on serving those who need us most and providing education that transforms lives.

Question: Finally, as we celebrate this milestone, what message would you like to share with the UA Grantham community?

Chancellor Bridgeman: This anniversary is a celebration of people, our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Their stories are the true measure of our success. Each student represents perseverance, ambition, and the transformative power of education. As we look to the future, I want our community to know that our commitment to them is stronger than ever. The next 75 years will be built on the same foundation of access, opportunity, and purpose, and I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead.