Present success is often built on the foundation of the past. This sentiment is the principle on which most institutions of higher education operate. The education they provide builds a platform for future success in the lives of students who attend the institution. Those who study biology or other pre-medical preparation at Austin College owe the quality of the education and the reputation of the College’s program in part to the legacy of the late Monroe “Bud” David Bryant ’27, professor emeritus of biology.
Bryant graduated from Austin College in 1927, obtained his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, and pursued a broad spectrum of experiences from playing minor league baseball to serving as a park ranger at Yosemite National Park before returning to Sherman. “Once on the faculty, he quickly established a loyal following at Austin College among pre-medical students and biology majors that would make him one of the most respected science professors during a teaching career that lasted until the 1970s,” according to Austin College: A Sesquicentennial History 1847-1999.
Bryant taught at Austin College from 1947 to 1972, serving as professor of biology, chair of the Biology Department, and adviser to the pre-medical and dental students during his tenure. His 25 years of dedication to Austin College spurred former academic dean Dan Bedsole to express his appreciation in response to Bryant’s letter of resignation. “Based on remarks made by doctors and faculty in medical schools, it is evident that you are the one faculty member most responsible for the reputation Austin College has earned as an outstanding liberal arts college for preparing pre-med students,” Bedsole wrote.
Austin College: A Sesquicentennial History 1847-1999 credits him with a part in “developing one of the preeminent pre-medical curricula in the southwest.”
Vick Williams ’58 said he wasn’t even interested in biology when he entered Austin College until he took one of Bryant’s courses. “He had a well-deserved reputation for giving lectures that covered topics thoroughly and captured students’ attention,” Williams said. “He knew the subject well and could make it fascinating. In short, it was a very rich learning environment.”
Yet, the respect Bryant garnered from students and peers alike stemmed not only from his knowledge and teaching ability but also his sincere interest in his students’ success beyond the classroom, Williams said. Bryant was well-noted for his recommendations to medical school, said Don Shepherd ’58, a retired physician in Tow, Texas.
“Dr. Bryant was the best teacher I ever had, and I have had a lot of teachers over the years on into medical school and post-graduate studies,” Shepherd said. “Because of his great variety of experience, he helped students find their way into what they wanted to do in life,” Shepherd added. Former students and Austin College alumni Vick and Dorothy Williams, Don Shepherd, and Patricia “Pat” Myers hope to honor Bryant’s Austin College legacy through an endowed professorship in his memory.
“The endowed professorship recognizes Bud Bryant’s many contributions to Austin College as a teacher and biologist, and will honor a faculty recipient who embodies the professional values exemplified by Bud’s career,” said Mike Imhoff, vice president for Academic Affairs.
Williams, who helped originate the idea of an endowed professorship in Bryant’s memory, wanted to create an honor that had “lasting value,” much like the lasting impact Bryant had on Williams’ own life. “He showed me a life that I could not possibly have imagined,” said Williams, who entered Austin College with a small-school education and no real career plans. “The most important thing he did for me was to believe that I could do it. I will be grateful for that gift as long as I live.”
Though the type of gifts Bryant gave to his students are invaluable, these alumni chose to give back in the form of an endowed professorship as a token of their gratitude.
For more information about how you can establish an endowed professorship and memorialize a loved one or mentor whose work is noted in the history of Austin College, please contact us at plannedgiving@austincollege.edu or 903.813.2336.
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