I quickly learned that Bridgewater is a unique university in that it’s about education, but it’s also about service in almost equal parts. Both of those are values that I practice and resonate with me.
When Dr. Lucy Shaffer Croft came to Bridgewater State six months ago as interim vice president for student life, she saw an opportunity to provide stability to a division in transition.
It didn’t take her long to realize that ɫƵ was a special place where she wanted to remain.
“I quickly learned that Bridgewater is a unique university in that it’s about education, but it’s also about service in almost equal parts,” she said. “Both of those are values that I practice and resonate with me.”
A student affairs professional with 35 years of experience, Croft stood out among a strong field of candidates for the permanent job. She came to ɫƵ having served as vice president for student success at Buena Vista University in Iowa and in student affairs leadership posts over 15 years at the University of North Florida.
Croft’s career path took shape as an undergraduate at Hanover College in Indiana. A field hockey athlete and sorority member, Croft held numerous leadership posts such as resident assistant, orientation leader, student union manager and president of the programming board.
“I have a heart for service, and I have a heart for leading others,” she said.
She strives to build strong relationships with students and looks forward to seeing their successes in life, both professionally and personally. Bridgewater students, Croft has noticed, are eager to develop as leaders and value mentorship.
“I connect with the students,” she said. “They’re kind, they’re caring, they’re smart, they’re motivated and they’re ready to learn. They want to feel inspired.”
Croft similarly enjoys working with her staff and fostering a culture of innovation and creative problem-solving. She aims to continue building a strong division with a clear mission while collaborating with others across the university.
“She has my complete confidence and support in moving the division forward by fostering a culture that prioritizes responsiveness to evolving student needs and a commitment to continuous improvement – a culture which I am confident will elevate Student Life to a position of regional and national leadership,” President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, said in announcing her appointment.
Outside work, she is an avid runner who has completed marathons on all seven continents (including a race between research stations on Antarctica’s King George Island). She also participates in triathlons, including one where athletes “escaped” from San Francisco’s famous Alcatraz prison.
“Running takes me to unique and beautiful parts of the world that most people wouldn’t have a chance to see or view through that lens,” she said.
On campus, Croft enjoys ascending Great Hill Drive.
“I love the view from the top and the views as I’m running because I’m surrounded by the woods,” she said. “I love the challenge and the sense of accomplishment when I get to the top.”
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