Jennifer Bradley

With over thirty years in higher education, Dr. Jennifer Bradley is committed to both access and student success as a means of helping students achieve meaningful, productive, and engaged lives in our community. As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Bradley provides leadership to all of Kirkwood Community College’s academic programs ensuring the college offers innovative, high quality learning experiences that prepare students for the future and allow Kirkwood to serve as an economic engine for the community.

Dr. Bradley began at Kirkwood in 2006 and served as Dean, Executive Dean, and Associate Vice President before becoming Vice President in 2021. Prior to Kirkwood, she worked at Mercy College of Health Sciences and Central College. She has served on numerous state-wide committees on higher education-related topics and currently serves as a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

Dr. Bradley prioritizes mentoring those beginning their careers in higher education, and in 2018 won the Recognition Award from The Way Up for her contributions to the development and advancement of women in higher education in Iowa. In 2019, she received the Distinguished College Administrator Award from Phi Theta Kappa, the national two-year honor society. In 2025, Dr. Bradley was recognized as a HER Woman of Achievement.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Bradley is married with three children and volunteers at her local school district.