Matt Lynn to join OIP as new director for the Novogratz Bridge Year Program

Matt Lynn has been named the new director for the Novogratz Bridge Year Program, effective May 12, 2025. Matt will rejoin the Office of International Programs— having previously served as the assistant director for Bridge Year from 2019–2022— from his current role as associate director of engaged pedagogy at the Pace Center for Civic Engagement. He succeeds John Luria, the inaugural director of the Bridge Year Program, who is retiring after 16 years of service to Princeton.

 In his new role, Matt will oversee the administration, assessment and ongoing enhancement of the program. He will also continue to foster collaborative relationships with program partners. 

“The Novogratz Bridge Year Program and the Office of International Programs are thrilled that Matt Lynn has agreed to step into the role of director; Matt’s experience as both an on-site director and as the assistant director of the program give him a unique perspective on the program, and will enable him to continue but also build on the strengths of the program now that it is more than a decade old,” said Rebecca Graves-Bayazitoglu, senior associate dean of the college. “We are also very excited about connecting Bridge Year participants in the field more closely to the on-campus community, and especially to the kinds of service learning opportunities Matt was closely involved with at the Pace Center.” 

Before arriving at Princeton, Matt spent many years in Bolivia. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer, directed a small non-profit focused on literacy and indigenous rights, and led experiential gap year programs with Where There Be Dragons, including acting as the on-site director for the Novogratz Bridge Year Program. Matt earned a master’s degree in peacebuilding and conflict transformation from the School for International Training in Vermont and is pursuing another master’s in social work from Rutgers University.