COSAM News Articles 2022 October 25th Anniversary Summer Bridge Program Alumni Spotlight: Kristalyn Scott Lee drew inspiration from Jenda’s mentorship to pursue career in higher education and establish Montevallo’s M.A.D.E. program

25th Anniversary Summer Bridge Program Alumni Spotlight: Kristalyn Scott Lee drew inspiration from Jenda’s mentorship to pursue career in higher education and establish Montevallo’s M.A.D.E. program

Published: 11/01/2022

By: Leslie Leak

A Birmingham native and Homewood High School graduate, Kristalyn Scott Lee’s journey as an Auburn University student began in 1999 as a participant in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, or COSAM, Summer Bridge Program.

Through Summer Bridge, Lee found impactful academic and social support early on as an Auburn student and formed enduring bonds with fellow students.

“What was most helpful to me during my time in Bridge was the opportunity to experience college coursework before classes began, as well as the opportunity to establish a community with the other students which has led to life-long friendships,” said Lee.

“My favorite Bridge memory is the fun we had in the residence hall on our last night. After a month together, we’d truly bonded and had become like family.”

Lee recalled that Overtoun Jenda particularly made a tremendous impact on her Auburn experience, her career trajectory and her life in general.

“I pursued a career in higher education as a result of Dr. Jenda’s mentorship and unwavering support during my time at Auburn,” she said. “He believed I could achieve greatness, even when I didn’t believe it for myself.”

Following graduation from Auburn University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology, Lee graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 2006 from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Doctorate in Education degree in higher education administration in 2019 from the University of Alabama.

Lee has enjoyed remaining in contact with the Summer Bridge Program by attending reunions over the years and recommending the program to incoming COSAM students.

Lee currently resides in Alabaster and serves as Vice President for Administration at the University of Montevallo. In her role, she oversees the Physical Plant, Human Resources, Information Services and Technology and the Montevallo M.A.D.E., or Minorities Achieving Dreams of Excellence, program, which was developed based on her experience in Summer Bridge and COSAM’s drop-in center.

In 2021, Lee was among 32 exemplary, senior-level higher education professionals chosen to participate in the Millennium Leadership Initiative, a premier leadership development program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

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 25^th Anniversary website.