COSAM News Articles 2022 July James Goosby reflects on success of Summer Bridge Program in celebration of its 25th anniversary

James Goosby reflects on success of Summer Bridge Program in celebration of its 25th anniversary

Published: 07/19/2022

By: Leslie Leak

For Auburn alumnus James Goosby, the 25th anniversary of the Summer Bridge Program marks a time to reflect on the program’s remarkable impact, longevity and leadership that has contributed to its success.

Goosby was first made aware of the Summer Bridge Program in 1997. As an undergraduate engineering student, he supported Dr. Overtoun Jenda by serving as a program counselor in 1998.

“As a mentor, I saw that the program provided an opportunity for freshmen students to receive support as soon as they arrived on campus—from getting a view of campus, to understanding where their classrooms were, to learning who their professors were going to be and what their schedule would look like—it was a great opportunity to put incoming students at ease,” recalled Goosby.

Goosby, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Auburn, now serves as director of business technology planning and strategic initiatives for Southern Company Services. He joined Alabama Power in 1994 as a co-op engineer and assumed a full-time plant engineer position in 2000. He has held various plant and engineering support leadership positions, including engineering manager, maintenance manager and I&C field support manager. Prior to joining Southern Company, he served in the United States Marines.

Goosby has remained in touch with impactful Auburn programs like Summer Bridge over the years, even serving in advisory board leadership roles.

“Here 25 years later, I see that the important work still continues on,” said Goosby. “Our Summer Bridge alumni and leaders at Auburn have dedicated themselves to providing students continued support to ensure that they have a positive, quality experience.”

“I want to say thank you to Dr. Jenda for your leadership throughout these years, and thank you to Auburn University for providing the support needed for such a great program where 25 years later, we are still reaping the benefits of that work.”


COSAM will host events throughout the 2022-23 academic year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Summer Bridge. Additionally, there is an initiative to raise $1 million dollars. These funds will be used by the COSAM Office of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity to support initiatives such as creating an endowed professorship, providing study abroad opportunities, and expanding scholarship availability for deserving students. To learn more about the celebration and to donate, please visit the 25th Anniversary website.

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