After 11 years in Virginia, Dr. Adrienne Brune is back in Michigan and taking on a new role at Delta College.
Brune recently joined Delta as the associate dean of social sciences, bringing nearly two decades of experience in higher education, including teaching, advising and academic leadership.
As a first-generation college graduate, Brune understands the challenges students can face when pursuing higher education. Her own experiences, paired with her background in sociology, have helped shape her approach to leadership and her commitment to making education accessible.
“I understand the complexities that people have in terms of being first-gen college students, but also some other groups that are traditionally or historically marginalized,” Brune said. “I really want to make sure that everyone has access.”
Brune earned her bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University before completing her master's and doctorate in sociology at the University of Oklahoma. She previously worked at Averett University in Virginia, where she served in several academic leadership positions, including department chair and division chair.
When the opportunity at Delta became available, Brune was drawn to the college's mission and commitment to its students.
“The strategic plan was very impressive to me when I was doing my research into Delta College because it really aligned with my own goals as a person and also as a leader,” she said.
In her new role, Brune hopes to support faculty, encourage new ideas and help students discover an interest in the social sciences that extends beyond the classroom.
“I hope that they feel like they belong in that classroom,” Brune said. “And along with that belonging is feeling safe.”
Although she's still settling into her new position, Brune said the warm welcome from faculty and staff has already made a big impression. And returning to her home state has been a major bonus.
“I'm really excited to be home,” she said. “I love Michigan. I always saw myself coming back here at some point.”
By Mikaila Bluew, writer & editor
