The Piedmont Community Bridge Alliance (PCBA) is a committee established to provide a supportive, safe and inclusive environment for faculty, staff and students at Piedmont.
Members of the committee include faculty, students and staff.
“We raise awareness and highlight different perspectives of individuals within the Piedmont community,” said English professor Matthew Teutsch, an active member and organizer of PCBA.
PCBA acknowledges and embraces every student, staff and faculty member, ensuring each is valued, respected and treated with dignity regardless of their differences. Their mission is to educate the community about people within Piedmont.
One of the primary ways PCBA educates the community is through its Lunch and Learn events. These events are hosted by members of PCBA, where members of the community, such as students, faculty or staff, are welcomed to share their stories. This month, PCBA hosted a Lunch and Learn for women in higher education administration positions. The event featured Piedmont staff members Ineke Dyer, Kristie Harris and Jamine Purdy, who spoke about their experiences in higher education administration.
Other events hosted by PCBA include the Daffodil Project, in which members of both PCBA and the PEACE club planted daffodils behind the Swanson Center. This project symbolizes Holocaust remembrance. They also hosted other Lunch and Learns about first-generation students and Black History Month, where faculty and students share their perspectives.
“It gives a space for people to belong, see themselves and educate the community and learn about other individuals that they may not know about,” said Teutsch. PCBA serves the entire community and gives everyone the opportunity to learn about challenges, obstacles or one’s background.
“I hope new members are able to join and are comfortable with expressing themselves along with having a seat at the table,” Teutsch said.
What sets PCBA apart from other clubs or organizations on campus is the involvement of multiple faculty, staff and students. PCBA gives students the opportunity to join and take action in educating others.
Students, faculty or staff interested in joining can get in contact with Professor Matthew Teutsch at [email protected].
