Furman University Graduate Appointed To New Position at Bridges to A Brighter Future

GREENVILLE, SC – January 14, 2011 -When it came to hiring a new assistant director for Furman University’s Bridges to a Brighter Future, the university decided it could no better than bring back one of the program’s most successful graduates.
Casey Crisp is a native of Travelers Rest who graduated from the Bridges program in 2004 and went on earn a B.A. degree in history with certification in secondary education from Furman in 2009.  She began her new duties in December.

Bridges to a Brighter Future is a college access and academic enrichment program for talented Greenville County high school students whose greatest challenges often come outside the classroom.  There are 75 students in the program this school year.

“Casey’s vision, ability to relate to students, passion, understanding of the program, and professional qualities made her stand out from the other applicants,” said Tobi Swartz, director of the Bridges program.  “We are thrilled to have her as our assistant director, and I know she is the perfect person for the job.”

In addition to being a graduate of Bridges to a Brighter Future, Crisp served three summers as a counselor and another summer as head counselor.  While attending Furman, she was inducted into Senior Order, the university’s honorary leadership organization for senior women, and was president of Chi Omega for two years.  She also served as chair of the homecoming committee, and was a member of the Furman’s Student Activities Board.After graduating from Furman, Crisp taught social studies at Mauldin High School, where she also coached the softball and debate teams.  She is a graduate of Travelers Rest High School.Crisp’s duties at Bridges will include leading a new effort called “Crossing the Bridge,” which will provide additional support for the program’s graduates after they enroll in college.  A recent anonymous gift to Bridges allowed the program to expand its support beyond high school and provide graduates with assistance into their college years.

Bridges to a Brighter Future has received numerous awards, including the 2009 Excellence in Summer Learning Award from the National Summer Learning Association.  It also has been featured in Essence Magazine and on the U.S. Department of Education television program, “Education News Parents Can Use.”
For more information about Bridges to a Brighter Future, go to http://www.bridgestoabrighterfuture.org, or contact Tobi Swartz at (864) 294-3135.