Brighid Dwyer

Brighid Dwyer is the Vice Dean for Academic Excellence and Engagement at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has over two decades of experience as a scholar, educator, and administrator. Previously, she served as Associate Dean at Princeton University and Assistant Professor at Villanova University in the Departments of Education and Counseling and Communication. She also directed the Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR) and held roles at Delaware County Community College as an Adjunct Sociology Professor.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles
• Master’s and Ph.D., Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, University of Michigan

Her research focuses on intergroup relations, higher education policy, and inclusive academic practices. She has published extensively in these areas and serves on boards including the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center and Marin Academy High School. Prior to academia, she had a notable career in athletics, including NCAA All-American recognition and Olympic Swimming Trials qualification.

She advises on institutional strategies to enhance academic excellence and engagement, leveraging her background in both scholarship and athletics administration.