Bridget Golden

Biography

Bridget Williams Golden serves as Director of Belmont Fast Forward, Belmont University's workforce and educational attainment initiative that builds partnerships connecting education, workforce development, and community organizations across Middle Tennessee. She leads collaborative initiatives that expand access to postsecondary education, strengthen workforce pathways, and create opportunities for learners of all ages.

Bridget also oversees Belmont University's role as the backbone organization for the GOAL Collective (Growing Opportunities for Adult Learners), convening regional partners to improve educational attainment and economic mobility through shared strategy, coordinated referrals, data-informed decision making, and cross-sector collaboration.

Before joining Belmont, Bridget held leadership positions in student affairs and higher education administration at Vanderbilt University, Purdue University, Volunteer State Community College, and Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping students and adult learners discover educational pathways that lead to meaningful careers and stronger communities.

Bridget currently serves as Chair of the Education & Economic Mobility Working Group for the Coalition for Better Futures Southeast Nashville and was selected as a 2025 Nashville Public Education Foundation Leadership Public Education Fellow. Her professional interests include educational attainment, workforce development, collective impact, program evaluation, and community partnership development.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Purdue University (B.A., English Education) and The Ohio State University (M.A., Higher Education and Student Affairs), Bridget is the past president of the Purdue College of Liberal Arts Alumni Board. Bridget and her husband, Thom, are the proud parents of three sons. Committed to volunteerism and community engagement, she also serves as treasurer for Troop 75 Scouts BSA and the Beech High School Soccer Booster Club and volunteers with her church's Children's Liturgy of the Word ministry.