Dr. Donna Petherbridge is Vice Provost for Digital Education & Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) at North Carolina State University. Donna is actively involved in NC State University committees, task forces and IT strategic planning endeavors, working closely with IT and academic leaders across campus, where she facilitates conversations around academic technology opportunities, challenges, governance and practices that support student success. She is currently serving on the EDUCAUSE Board and the EDUCAUSE Review Advisory Committee. She has previously served as an EDUCAUSE Digital Learning Leaders Institute faculty member, Leadership Academy mentor, and Professional Pipeline Student mentor. She is also actively involved with UPCEA and OLC.
She is co-founder (and is currently in a leadership role) of both the NC State’s Women in Technology interest group and the statewide UNC CAUSE Women in Tech+ interest group. She was the 2025 staff winner of the NC State University Women's Equity Award.
In addition, Donna is an Adjunct Teaching Assistant Professor in the Educational Leadership, Policy & Human Development (ELPHD) in the NC State College of Education, where she teaches online courses, mentors graduate students, and serves on dissertation committees. She has been an associate member of the graduate faculty since 2008. Donna has more than 27 years of experience in supporting higher education faculty members in leveraging technology to support their instructional goals. She is regularly recognized as an outstanding instructor via the NC State University “Thank a Teacher” program. Her research interests include instructional design theory and practice, leadership development, and best practices in creating supporting online learning environments. Donna gives presentations on the future of teaching with technology, using emerging technologies, building communities in online courses, leadership best practices and leadership development.
Donna holds a B.A. in English (Elon University), a Master’s degree in Information Science (North Carolina Central University), an Ed.D. in Adult & Community College Education (North Carolina State University), and an Executive Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.
She is also a certified clogging instructor.
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Cultivating a sense of value and belonging is critical for retaining talented staff and driving organizational success. Effective leaders foster a supportive culture by promoting adaptability, supporting professional growth, maintaining accountability, encouraging open communication, and celebrating both individual and team achievements.
To successfully prepare for and step into leadership roles as you move along your career path, you should consider several specific areas to improve your leadership toolkit and be prepared for that next opportunity.
| Status: | Yes, current member |