Caradine chosen for exclusive New Bridge program

An exclusive study program, New Bridge, is opening an exciting door for Carson-Newman University’s Ashley Caradine this month. Caradine, who serves as C-N’s director of Multicultural Services, will be one of only 20 members to travel to Washington, D.C., Berlin, Germany and Brussels, Belgium. Sponsored by Atlantik-Brücke, a private non-profit association based in Berlin, the experience allows for discussion on various topics, transatlantic relations and cultivate lasting personal and professional relationships. The 10-day trip begins July 21.

“I’m really excited about meeting members of my cohort. I love that we’re going to have this experience together, but it’s also great that they are going to be a part of a network I can pull from,” she said. “I think I will be able to serve Carson-Newman students better. Just having those in my network who can provide information on different fields will be beneficial.”

I see it having an impact on me and even helping me better communicate with some of my international students,” she said, citing the value of visiting other countries to learn about different perspective. “I’m just excited about that cultural exchange and how that will add more to the Office of Multicultural Services.”

Only in its second year, New Bridge is a fully funded fellowship that focuses on young American professionals underrepresented in the transatlantic community. Participants must be nominated. The group is not limited to those in higher education but includes participants across various fields and regions.

The opportunity includes meeting with high-ranking officials and decision makers, as well as engaging with European counterparts. “We will go on a Cold War walking tour and get to see a lot of key government buildings and cultural sites,” Caradine said, noting that other scheduled tours include the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, NATO Headquarters, and the German Bundestag. “They say [the trip] will really be jammed packed.”

Though Caradine says she’s looking forward to seeing many of the different sites on the itinerary, it’s the opportunity to make connections that she is most thankful for.

“I am excited,” said Caradine. “I’ve been out of the country about four times, but never to Germany.” She says the experience is one she doesn’t take lightly.

“I feel incredibly blessed to be chosen for this opportunity,” she said. “I ask that the Carson-Newman family join me in prayer for safe travels, good health, and for Jesus to be made known to those who do not know Him.”

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts-based university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Carson-Newman offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.