Earl Bridgewater was the "foundation" of Viterbo University's Iowa Center in West Des Moines. Dr. Bridgewater worked diligently with the Administration at Viterbo University's main campus, located in La Crosse, Wisc., to establish a branch of the University in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Earl put a great deal of time and effort into helping the university design a program that met the Iowa Department of Education's requirements for approval as an educational leadership program. His mission was to offer high-quality programs to assist teachers in earning their principal licensure and teaching endorsements, with the ultimate goal of providing opportunities for quality professional growth for educators. Dr. Bridgewater understood the importance of, and deeply cared about, preparing highly-effective teachers and principals to serve in Iowa's schools.

Earl continued to teach for Viterbo University's Iowa Center for many years and he served on the Advisory Committee for the duration of his life. Dr. Bridgewater was dedicated to Viterbo University's Iowa Center and to supporting its purpose and mission. He attended advisory committee meetings and other events, whenever possible. Earl also regularly "dropped by" at Viterbo's Iowa Center to check in on how everything was going and to offer assistance.  Earl also served on various State Education Committees and Boards and his love of education was evident.  Dr. Bridgewater was well-respected and was a model of being a true educational leader.