Linda Bachman, assistant dean in the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, has been named the institution’s director of university experiential learning. Her appointment is effective May 1 in the Office of the Vice President for Instruction.

Bachman, who chaired a university-wide committee convened by Provost Pamela Whitten in 2014 to explore an experiential learning requirement for undergraduate students, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide immediate and effective leadership for this groundbreaking academic initiative. Bachman has worked closely with deans and other academic officials for the last year to help shape the proposal for a graduation requirement in experiential learning. 

“Dr. Bachman brings a deep understanding of disciplinary differences and the wide range of experiential opportunities that will help students across disciplines engage in hands-on experiences,” said Rahul Shrivastav, vice president for instruction. “We are honored to have her expertise in an area that will enhance the academic performance of our students and position them for greater success after graduation.”

As director of university experiential learning, Bachman is charged with identifying and proposing innovative ways to advance experiential learning across UGA’s diverse undergraduate programs.  She will partner with faculty members, experiential program directors, and other administrators in UGA’s schools and colleges to support planning and program expansion and assessment.

“Dr. Bachman has been instrumental in helping move UGA’s experiential learning requirement from concept to reality, and she brings a unique set of qualifications to this important position,” Whitten said. “With her appointment as director of university experiential learning, our faculty, staff and administrators have a new resource to help enhance learning opportunities for students.” 

In addition to her work on the committee that drafted and facilitated discussion regarding the Experiential Learning Requirement, Bachman has served as assistant dean in the Franklin College since 2006, first directing external affairs for the college, and more recently providing leadership on strategic planning and the development of entrepreneurial academic programs.  Prior to coming to UGA, Bachman founded and led a fund-raising, board development and communications strategy firm in Philadelphia. Her experience in higher education administration includes development, program management, and strategic planning for the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, among other academic and non-profit institutions.

Bachman holds an Ed.D. in higher education management with an international certification from UGA, a master’s in English language and literature from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Bryn Mawr College.

“Faculty members already offer world-class experiential learning opportunities for our students, and our students are clamoring for more,” Bachman said. “I look forward to building on what we already do so well at UGA, and supporting our faculty and students in growing our experiential programs to respond to the interests and aspirations of all of our students, while deepening our educational partnerships with the businesses and community organizations to which our students bring their talents upon graduation.”

The Experiential Learning Requirement will go into effect no earlier than fall 2016.

More information on UGA’s Experiential Learning Requirement is available at ugaexperience.com.