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Bryan College
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Bryan College is a private Christian college in Dayton, Tennessee, United States. It was founded in the aftermath of the 1925 Scopes trial to establish an institution of higher education that would teach from a Christian worldview.

Key Information

History

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During the Scopes trial in 1925, William Jennings Bryan expressed the wish that a school might be established in Dayton, Tennessee, "to teach truth from a Biblical perspective".[1] On July 26, 1925, he died in his sleep in Dayton, five days after the trial ended.[2] Following his death, a national memorial association was formed to establish such an institution in Bryan's honor.

"William Jennings Bryan University" was chartered in 1930. Its stated purpose was to provide "for the purpose of establishing, conducting, and perpetuating a university for the higher education of men and women under auspices distinctly Christian and spiritual, as a testimony to the supreme glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Divine inspiration and infallibility of the Bible,"[3] In 1958, it was designated William Jennings Bryan College, and the name was shortened to "Bryan College" in 1993.[4]

Presidents

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  • George E. Guille (1930–1931)
  • Malcolm M. Lockhart (1931–1933)
  • Judson A. Rudd (1933–1955)
  • Theodore C. Mercer (1956–1986)
  • Kenneth G. Hanna (1986–1992)
  • William E. Brown (1993–2003)
  • Stephen D. Livesay (2003–2020)
  • Douglas Mann (2020–present)[5]

Academics

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Bryan offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees in 50+ fields of study, master's degrees, and a Doctorate of Business Administration.[6]

The Adult and Graduate Studies programs are designed for adult learners to attend school part-time. Students can earn degrees online and onsite, and options include associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.[7]

In February 2018, Bryan College announced the opening of the Vogel School of Engineering, enabling students to obtain an undergraduate degree in mechanical or civil engineering.[8]

In 2021, Bryan College founded the Clara Ward School of Nursing.[9]

Accreditation and ranking

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Bryan has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1969.[10]

Bryan ranks 71st in the U.S. News & World Report for Regional Universities in the South as of the 2019 rankings.[11] In 2015, the college ranked 22nd[12] and was formerly ranked fourth among the "Up and Coming" institutions in its category by the same publisher in 2012.

Affiliations

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Bryan College is a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association,[13] the Council for Higher Education Accreditation,[14] the Appalachian College Association,[15] and the Association of Christian Schools International.[16]

Statement of belief and academic freedom

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In February 2014, college administrators supplemented the original statement of belief, which is included in the employment contract of professors, with the declaration that Adam and Eve "are historical persons created by God in a special formative act, and not from previously existing life forms." Hundreds of students, including the vice president of student government, opposed the change. They petitioned trustees, and several professors left the institution.[17]

The same month, the faculty voted 30–2 "no confidence" in the college president, Stephen Livesay.[18]

Two tenured faculty had their contracts terminated after refusing to agree to the revised statement of belief, and filed a lawsuit against the college in May 2014. The college settled out of court in October 2014.[19]

The college cut 20 staff members in May 2014, claiming dwindling enrollment. Two months later, five members of the board of trustees resigned in response to the controversy. The following year, Livesay instituted procedural rules that faculty members claimed made it extremely difficult for them to hold meetings.[18][20]

Campus

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The Bryan College campus in Dayton, Tennessee, on Sept. 3, 2015

The Bryan College campus is located in Dayton, Tennessee, on a 128-acre (52 ha) hilltop.[21] The campus is within walking distance of downtown Dayton and the historic Rhea County Courthouse.

Bryan College's campus consists of six public buildings, five residence halls, and 12 townhouses.[22]

In the fall of 2000, the administration building was greatly damaged by a fire that spread to its third floor, but has since been repaired.[23]

Its association with the Scopes trial has led to its addition as a stop along the Southeast Tennessee Religious Trail.[24]

As of 2019, Bryan College has an on-campus physical therapy clinic.[25][26]

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Bryan Lions
Bryan College students play volleyball in Summers Gymnasium

The Bryan athletic teams are called the Lions. The college is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference since the 2001–02 academic year.[27][28][29] They were also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association, primarily competing as an independent in the Mid-East Region of the Division I level.

Bryan competes in 17 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field; women's sports include basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, fishing, pickleball, martial arts and shooting[30].

Publications

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Bryan Life, the college's alumni magazine, is published twice a year.[31] The Triangle is a bi-weekly student newspaper containing articles and stories written by Bryan College students. It also includes stats and updates on the college's sports teams. It is available electronically.[32] In 2012, President Stephen Livesay prevented a student news story from being run, which revealed the coverup of the arrest of a faculty member.[33] In 2015, the Vice President of Academics imposed censorship restrictions on the Triangle.[20] Students are required to get approval from the current faculty advisor in order to run any stories.

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bryan College

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from Grokipedia
![The Bryan College campus in Dayton, Tennessee, on Sept. 3, 2015.jpg][float-right] Bryan College is a private, Christian in , founded in 1930 by the William Jennings Bryan Memorial Association and named in honor of the politician and orator , who defended during the 1925 in the same town. Its foundational purpose is "to provide for the higher education of men and women under auspices distinctly Christian and spiritual," with a of "Christ Above All" that underscores its integration of biblical principles into all aspects of . The institution offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as , , and the , delivered both on-campus and to over 1,400 students with a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Regionally accredited and evangelical in orientation, Bryan College maintains a commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture and traditional Christian doctrines, which has shaped its academic environment and led to internal debates, such as the revision of its statement of belief to explicitly affirm marriage as between one man and one woman, resulting in the of several trustees and faculty amid concerns over institutional direction. Located in the Appalachian foothills near Chattanooga, the college continues to emphasize and global impact through Christ-centered learning, drawing on its historical ties to the Scopes legacy to foster rigorous intellectual engagement with faith.

History

Founding and Early Development

Bryan College traces its origins to the 1925 in , during which , a key prosecutor, expressed a vision for an educational institution that would teach truth from a biblical perspective. In response, the William Jennings Bryan Memorial Association was formed on August 8, 1925, to establish a Christian college in his honor, emphasizing higher education under spiritual auspices. Groundbreaking for the campus occurred in May 1927, but the 1929 stock market crash halted construction amid economic turmoil. The institution, initially chartered as William Jennings Bryan University on January 1, 1930, admitted its first students in the fall of that year, with classes convening on September 30 at Rhea Central High School due to unfinished facilities. Early enrollment was limited, reflecting the challenges of launching a new college during the . Financial difficulties persisted through the 1930s and 1940s, with the institution struggling to secure funds; faculty members were sometimes paid in produce or other goods rather than cash. Despite these hardships, the college maintained its commitment to Christian education, gradually developing its infrastructure, including the completion of the first phase of the Administration Building in the 1950s. The name was changed to College in 1958, shortening further to Bryan College in 1993.

Presidential Leadership

Bryan College's first president, George E. Guille, served from the institution's founding in September 1930 until his unexpected death in November 1931. A veteran Bible teacher from , Guille emphasized the college's mission as a witness to Christian fundamentals beyond mere memorial to . Malcolm M. Lockhart succeeded Guille as president, serving from 1931 to . Previously involved in fundraising and administrative roles for the college, Lockhart navigated early financial challenges during the , though his tenure ended amid ongoing stabilization efforts. Judson A. Rudd led as president from to , providing the longest and most stable early leadership. Under Rudd, the college, then known as College, focused on core Christian education and student development, with Rudd participating in all 37 commencement ceremonies during his era before becoming president emeritus until his death in 1970. The Judson A. Rudd , dedicated in 1975, honors his influence on the institution's testimony and growth. Theodore C. Mercer assumed the presidency on July 1, 1956, following Rudd, and served until his death in 1986 at age 65. A Spring City, Tennessee native with prior experience at Bob Jones University, Mercer oversaw three decades of administrative continuity, including legal defenses of faculty contracts and emphasis on the college's fundamentalist heritage. Kenneth G. Hanna, the fifth president, led from 1986 to 1992. A Bryan alumnus with advanced degrees in , Hanna prioritized mission alignment and transitioned leadership to his successor amid efforts to strengthen academic programs. William E. Brown served as president from 1993 to 2003, succeeding Hanna. His tenure emphasized preparation for future challenges in Christian higher education. Stephen D. Livesay became the seventh president in 2003, serving until his retirement in 2020. Livesay expanded degree completion and online offerings, but his leadership drew criticism, including a 2014 doctrinal clarification requiring affirmation of young-earth creationism, which prompted faculty departures and a 30-2 no-confidence vote. Douglas F. Mann, a 1992 Bryan alumnus, assumed the eighth presidency on July 15, 2020, after serving as provost. Mann's inauguration in September 2021 highlighted continuity in the college's commitment to biblical integration in academics.
PresidentTenureKey Notes
George E. Guille1930–1931Founding president; focused on fundamentalist witness.
Malcolm M. Lockhart1931–1933Managed early Depression-era operations.
Judson A. Rudd1933–1955Stabilized and grew the institution; chapel named in his honor.
Theodore C. Mercer1956–198630-year tenure emphasizing heritage and legal stability.
Kenneth G. Hanna1986–1992Alumnus leader aligning mission with academics.
William E. Brown1993–2003Prepared for modern educational demands.
Stephen D. Livesay2003–2020Expanded programs; faced doctrinal controversies.
Douglas F. Mann2020–presentInternal successor reinforcing biblical focus.

Expansion and Modern Era

Under the long presidency of Theodore C. Mercer from to , Bryan College achieved institutional stability and incremental expansion, including the development of campus infrastructure to support growing academic needs. Mercer's 30-year tenure culminated in the college's 50th anniversary celebration in , highlighting its evolution from a small institute to a more established liberal arts institution. Kenneth G. Hanna succeeded Mercer, serving as president from 1986 to 1992 and maintaining operational continuity amid leadership transitions. Subsequent administrations focused on programmatic diversification, with Stephen D. Livesay's presidency from 2003 to 2020 introducing online degree completion programs, graduate offerings, and a in , to broaden access and enrollment. The college library was renamed the Livesay Learning Center in 2020 to honor these contributions. Douglas F. Mann assumed the presidency on July 15, 2020, becoming the eighth leader in the institution's history and emphasizing strategic growth. Under Mann, Bryan College reported record enrollment of 1,747 students for the 2025–2026 , driven by a 33% increase in incoming freshmen and a 39% rise in first-time students compared to the prior year. Modern campus expansions include enhanced sidewalks, upgraded lighting, renovated dormitory kitchens, new sand volleyball courts, a student overlook area, and outdoor classrooms completed in 2024 to improve student life and accessibility. The nursing program received dedicated facilities featuring skills labs with hospital beds and manikins, simulation labs with high-fidelity models, classrooms, and lockers. The "Transformed 2025" strategic plan guides ongoing development, prioritizing enrollment growth, program innovation, and alignment with the college's Christian mission.

Academics

Programs and Curriculum

Bryan College provides associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across more than 50 areas of study, with options for both on-campus and delivery, rooted in a Christian liberal arts framework that integrates biblical principles into all academic disciplines. Undergraduate programs emphasize a core comprising 40-43 credit hours designed to foster intellectual development, , and a biblically informed , including mandatory courses in Old and literature (BIB 222 and BIB 224, 3 credits each), critical worldview analysis (CT 113, 3 credits), freshman English or college writing (3-6 credits), college-level math (3 credits), communication (COMM 111, 3 credits), history survey (3 credits), with lab or equivalents (4 credits), and psychology elective (3 credits), alongside electives in Christian studies, fine arts, , and other categories. Bachelor's degrees on campus include majors such as Biblical & Theological Studies (B.A.), (B.A./B.S. with biopsychology option), (B.A. with , , & concentrations), Chemistry (B.A.), (B.A./B.S.), Communication, (B.S.), (B.A.), Elementary Education (B.S.), Engineering Technology Management (B.S.), (B.S.), (B.S.), (B.A.), (B.S.N.), & (B.A.), (B.S.), (B.S.), and (B.S.), with associate degrees available in areas like (A.S.), (A.A./A.S.), Liberal Arts (A.A.), and Science & Technology (A.S.). Online undergraduate offerings focus on practical fields, including Associate of Science in , , and Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Applied , , Criminal Justice, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduate programs are primarily online and include the (M.B.A.) and (D.B.A.), with additional master's options in Christian and Christian Studies emphasizing and theological application. Pre-professional tracks for , , , , , and veterinary studies are supported through relevant undergraduate majors and advising, ensuring alignment with the college's commitment to ethical, faith-based preparation for professional fields. All curricula require demonstration of general competencies and, for residential students, culminate in a senior project or capstone integrating faith and learning.

Accreditation, Rankings, and Affiliations

Bryan College holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees, with reaffirmation granted on December 12, 2024. The college's Bachelor of Science in Engineering program received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET effective September 1, 2023. Additionally, the School of Nursing's baccalaureate and master's programs in earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) on October 19, 2025. The Bachelor of Business Administration program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). In national rankings, Bryan College is placed #71 among Regional Universities in the South by in its 2026 edition, evaluated on metrics including graduation rates, faculty resources, and . Other assessments include #351 for Best Colleges for Majors by Niche, based on student reviews and outcomes. The college ranks 1101st in the United States per EduRank's 2025 global assessment, which incorporates research output and non-academic prominence. Bryan College maintains memberships in several professional and educational organizations, including the National Association of College and University Business Officers, NAFSA: Association of International Educators (formerly National Association of Foreign Student Advisers), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association. It is approved by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) for and certification programs.

Faculty and Enrollment

Bryan College achieved a record total enrollment of 1,747 students for the 2025–2026 , encompassing both residential and online programs, with 308 new students representing a 33% increase over the prior year. This growth includes approximately 750 students on the Dayton campus, drawn from over 40 states and several foreign countries. The institution reports an on-campus student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, which supports smaller class sizes and individualized instruction. The college employs 44 full-time faculty members and 134 part-time instructors, with full-time faculty comprising about 26% of the total instructional staff. Independent assessments confirm a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 based on fall 2023 data. Faculty qualifications emphasize terminal degrees, as evidenced by the prevalence of doctoral titles in the college's directory, aligning with its liberal arts focus.

Doctrinal Commitments

Statement of Belief

Bryan College's Statement of Belief serves as the doctrinal foundation for the institution, emphasizing its commitment to evangelical and . Established in 1930, the college's charter declares its purpose as providing higher education under Christian auspices to testify to the glory of Christ and the divine inspiration and infallibility of the as the ultimate standard. The statement affirms the as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, inerrant and infallible in its original autographs. It articulates core Trinitarian doctrine, recognizing one eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and . Key Christological tenets include the Christ, who was begotten of the and born of the Virgin Mary, and His sinless life, through , bodily , ascension, and future personal return. Regarding anthropology and soteriology, the belief holds that humanity was specially created by God in His image through fiat creation as detailed in Genesis 1 and 2, with all people inheriting a sinful nature from Adam's disobedience, rendering them in need of redemption solely through faith in Christ's atoning work. A clarification adopted on February 10, 2014, explicitly states that all humanity descended from Adam and Eve as historical persons created by God in a special formative act, excluding descent from previously existing life forms. The statement further declares the bodily resurrection of all people, a final judgment, eternal conscious blessedness for believers, and eternal conscious punishment for unbelievers. Adherence is mandatory: all trustees, administrators, , and staff must annually sign the statement, affirming personal in its tenets. Employees are required to be professing who actively support the doctrines and comply with community life standards, including abstinence from dishonesty, sexual immorality, practices, and the possession or use of alcohol or on campus.

Doctrinal Enforcement and Controversies

In 2014, Bryan College amended its longstanding Statement of Belief to include an explicit affirmation that "Adam and Eve are historical persons created by God in a special act of creation," reinforcing a literal interpretation of Genesis against theistic evolution or other compromise views on human origins. This change, approved by the board of trustees under President Stephen Livesay, required all faculty and staff to annually affirm the updated statement as a condition of employment, aligning with the college's requirement that employees be professing Christians who support its doctrinal commitments. The amendment sparked significant internal , with approximately 25% of the faculty either departing voluntarily or facing non-renewal of contracts for refusing to sign, including two tenured professors who filed a in May 2014 claiming the board lacked authority to alter the original charter-protected statement. passed a no-confidence vote against Livesay in response, citing concerns over and the imposition of views not previously required, while students protested through petitions and public statements arguing the change alienated moderate evangelicals. Four trustees resigned in July 2014, expressing dismay at the leadership's direction and the resulting division. Enforcement continued to generate tensions, culminating in the 2017 dismissal of mathematics professor David Lestmann, a 25-year , after he privately voiced opposition to the president's handling of doctrinal issues and declined to affirm certain leadership decisions tied to the statement; supporters alleged retaliation rather than doctrinal noncompliance. This led to a for Livesay's and further faculty unrest, though the college maintained the firing aligned with its standards. Amid the fallout, Bryan laid off 20 employees in June 2014, attributing it to financial strain from enrollment dips linked to the controversy. Proponents of the enforcement, including college administrators, argued it preserved the institution's founding commitment to in the wake of the 1925 legacy, preventing doctrinal drift common in other evangelical schools. Critics, including departing faculty, contended the rigid application undermined scholarly inquiry and the college's charter, which they interpreted as limiting changes to core doctrines without broad consensus. No further major doctrinal amendments have been reported since, but the events highlighted ongoing tensions between strict confessional standards and institutional stability at Bryan.

Campus and Facilities

Physical Layout and Infrastructure

Bryan College's campus spans 128 acres on a hilltop in Dayton, Tennessee, situated in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains approximately 35 miles north of Chattanooga. The main entrance is located at 721 Bryan Drive off Highway 27, directly across from downtown Dayton. Key academic and administrative structures include Mercer Hall housing the Vogel School of Engineering, the Livesay Learning Center, Bryan Library, Rudd Auditorium, and the Rankin Center. Athletic infrastructure features a gymnasium, soccer and fields, , fully equipped training room, renovated practice gym and weightroom, cardio gym, and a boat barn for water sports. Student support facilities encompass the Latimer Student Center for dining and activities, Rhea House, Anderson Annex, and Stophel Center. Recent upgrades as of September 2024 include new perimeter sidewalks, enhanced lighting for safety and accessibility, and dormitory improvements. The layout supports navigation via marked walkways, with parking areas designated around major buildings.

Housing, Dining, and Resources

Bryan College mandates on-campus housing for full-time undergraduate students unless they commute from within 500 miles of campus or qualify for exemptions such as or parental living arrangements. Housing options include traditional residence halls like Huston Hall, which features private rooms with shared bathrooms to foster community, and upgraded facilities in Woodlee and Arnold Dorms with enhanced kitchens completed in 2024. Upperclassmen may access townhouses, while single rooms are available for an additional fee of $1,400 per semester if space permits. Assignments are issued in May via the MyBryan portal, with dorms remaining open during select breaks like Fall Break but closing for major holidays and summer unless students are employed by the institution. Dining services operate primarily through the Latimer Student Center, featuring a first-floor Dining Hall with diverse stations including , rotating pizza, and Mexican options, alongside a second-floor Prideland Grill for grab-and-go meals. On-campus coffee venues like Common Grounds and Study Grind provide beverages and snacks. Residential students receive unlimited meal plans bundled with housing costs, such as $5,650 per semester for townhouses, while commuters select from plans like a full semester option at $1,700 or limited scans at $475 for five weekly meals. Services halt during academic breaks, with online ordering available for pickup during operational hours. Student resources supporting campus living include Residence Life oversight for policies and community standards, integrated with the Academic Resource Center offering tutoring, advising, and career services to aid adjustment. Additional facilities encompass counseling, accommodations, and fitness centers, mail and printing services, and security patrols, all accessible via the Student Center and MyBryan portal. Handbooks detail conduct expectations, including summer housing eligibility tied to campus employment.

Student Life

Organizations and Activities

Bryan College students participate in a range of organizations and activities coordinated through the Student Engagement Program, which encompasses , the Student Government Association, and student-led clubs to foster community connections and . , managed by engagement interns, organize events such as banquets, games, competitions, and casual gatherings to promote interaction among students, faculty, and staff. The Student Government Association (SGA) comprises two executives—a president and —along with eight class senators (two per undergraduate class, divided by ) and appointed officers including a secretary and cabinet members; it facilitates communication between students and administration, addresses unmet student needs, and prioritizes relational leadership. Student clubs and teams, all operated by students to pursue shared interests, number over a dozen and span academic, recreational, professional, and ideological pursuits. Engineering-focused groups include the (ASCE), which emphasizes hands-on projects, networking, and service, and the (ASME); the supports STEM majors with internship opportunities. Competitive teams feature the Team, offering weekly practice and travel competitions with scholarships up to $1,000; the for legal advocacy under the American Moot Court Association; the Equestrian Team affiliated with Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA); and the Club for tournament participation. Creative and fellowship-oriented clubs encompass the for athlete gatherings and Bible studies, the Fellowship of the Pen for writers, Let's Dance for swing and country dancing instruction, and the Triangle Student Media Club for campus journalism and publications. Ideologically aligned groups include , which volunteers with pregnancy resource centers, and , promoting conservative principles; recreational options feature the Climbing Club (Ascenders) for periodic rock climbing outings and the Lion 10-8 Association for firearms training via Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). Intramural sports provide non-varsity competition during fall and spring semesters, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, sand volleyball, ultimate frisbee, billiards, ping pong, tennis, and cornhole, aimed at building camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff. The MOSAIC program enhances cultural competence by supporting ethnic minorities, international, first-generation, commuter, and transfer students through events like educational trips to sites such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, cultural trivia nights for observances including Black History and Hispanic Heritage Months, forums on ethnic relations, and targeted social gatherings like cookouts and game days.

Community Covenant and Conduct Standards

Bryan College's Community Life Standards establish the conduct expectations for students, grounded in biblical principles such as those in Matthew 5:27-29 and Galatians 5:19, to promote holistic growth in spiritual, relational, and academic areas while aligning with the institution's mission of educating servants of Christ. All residential and commuter students must agree to these standards upon enrollment, committing to uphold them on and off campus, during college activities, and even over breaks, thereby forming a covenant-like mutual trust within the regardless of personal convictions. Sexual conduct is restricted to within marriage defined biblically as between one man and one woman, prohibiting premarital or extramarital relations, homosexual activities, , pornography consumption, and any deviation from binary gender identities as affirmed in Scripture. Substance-related prohibitions include the use of alcohol, , illegal drugs, vaping devices, or pouches anywhere, at any time. Further standards ban (such as lying, , or in violation of the Academic Honor Code), , attendance at bars or nightclubs, and sexually provocative dancing, with expectations of , , and personal responsibility in all interactions. Spiritual formation is integrated through mandatory earning of 35 Christian Formation Credits per semester via services, events, and , reinforcing . Violations trigger a tiered disciplinary response: minor infractions (e.g., dress code breaches or disruptions) result in warnings, fines of $10–$50, or assigned work hours; moderate issues (e.g., alcohol possession or access) lead to 15-week Conduct Caution limiting extracurricular involvement; serious or repeated offenses (e.g., or use) impose Conduct with 50–100% activity restrictions, potential suspension (including forfeiture and reapplication requirement), or expulsion for egregious cases like . Appeals are handled within 24 hours by the Student Life Conduct Committee or Honor Council.

Athletics

Sports Programs

Bryan College fields intercollegiate athletic teams known as the Lions, competing in the (NAIA) as members of the (AAC). The athletic department oversees varsity programs emphasizing student-athlete development within a Christian framework, with approximately 211 participants across men's and women's teams as of recent records. Multiple programs, including cross country and track & field, have achieved national rankings in NAIA standings. Men's varsity sports include , , cross country, , soccer, and track & field. Women's varsity sports consist of , cross country, , soccer, , track & field, and . Coeducational is also supported as a competitive program. These teams compete regionally in the AAC, which spans institutions primarily in the , with schedules including conference tournaments and postseason eligibility through NAIA qualifiers. In addition to varsity athletics, the college offers intramural sports to promote campus-wide participation, such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, sand volleyball, ultimate frisbee, billiards, ping pong, tennis, and cornhole, open to all students regardless of skill level. Specialized programs like the Lion 10-8 Association integrate firearms training and competition, aligning with the institution's emphasis on practical skills in a faith-based context.

Achievements and Hall of Fame

Bryan College athletics programs compete in the NAIA's and have garnered recognition for competitive performance and institutional character. Multiple teams consistently rank among the top 25 nationally, reflecting sustained excellence across sports. The college has earned NAIA Champions of Character honors repeatedly, including designation as a 2024-25 Gold Star Five-Star Institution for exemplary standards in ethical conduct, equitable treatment, and positive competitive experiences. Key achievements include the men's basketball team's 2000 season, which secured the program's first conference co-championship and automatic NAIA National bid, culminating in an 11-game . In men's soccer, the Lions claimed the AAC tournament title on November 9, 2024—their first since 2013—defeating Truett McConnell and earning a NAIA national berth. The bass fishing team has achieved national prominence, winning the 2017 Cabela's School of the Year award and the Bassmaster College Series with a two-day total of 49 pounds, 15 ounces caught primarily via targeted pitching techniques. The Bryan College Sports Hall of Fame, established to permanently honor individuals and teams with at least one who demonstrated exceptional athletic excellence, leadership, and impact, inducts select figures periodically. The 2000 men's team was inducted for pioneering the program's conference success and national qualification. Volleyball standout Taylor Goines (class of 2015) received induction for her setter role, earning accolades during a tenure that advanced team competitiveness. Sewell was inducted on September 24, 2025, for multifaceted contributions in and , exemplifying leadership and program influence. Earlier pioneers like Wolfe (class of 1973) were recognized for efforts amid the program's nascent stages, including away meets without a home facility.

Publications and Media

Official and Student Publications

The official publications of Bryan College include its institutional news portal, which disseminates updates on campus events, academic achievements, athletics, and community initiatives, serving as the primary channel for administrative announcements and press releases. Historically, the college's association produced The Bryanette, a quarterly featuring alumni news, class updates, and institutional developments, with issues dating back to at least the 1960s and continuing into the late 1970s. Student publications are led by The Triangle, the official student-run media outlet at Bryan College, which operates as an independent forum for , coverage, pieces, and campus discussions. Launched prior to , The Triangle publishes articles and has historically appeared bi-weekly in print, emphasizing student perspectives within the college's Christian framework. In 2013, the publication drew national attention when its editor, , reported on the of a professor arrested on charges of of a minor, a story that sparked internal but earned Green the Ancil Payne Award for in from the for upholding journalistic standards amid pressure. This incident underscored The Triangle's role in fostering accountability, though it also highlighted tensions between student media autonomy and institutional oversight at the conservative evangelical college.

Notable People

Alumni

David Alward (B.A. in , 1981) served as the 32nd , , from 2010 to 2014, leading the Progressive Conservative Party during his tenure as a for the riding of Woodstock from 1999 to 2014. He later held positions including Consul General of to New England and roles in federal focused on . Rachel Held Evans (B.A. in English Literature, 2003) became a New York Times best-selling author known for works such as Evolving in Monkey Town (2010) and Searching for Sunday (2015), which explored tensions between evangelical and doubt; her writings critiqued aspects of while drawing from her formative experiences at the college. Evans, who died in 2019 at age 37, influenced discussions on and through blogging and books that sold widely among progressive Christian audiences. Lamar Frizzell (B.A., 1986) was named Bryan College's Alumnus of the Year in 2025 for his leadership as CEO of Recovery Centers of America at , following a career in pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, and hospital chaplaincy after earning a . His recognition highlights contributions to Christian service and professional excellence in addiction recovery. Other alumni recognized for athletic and vocational achievements include David Wolfe (1973), inducted into the Bryan College Sports Hall of Fame for earning over 75 medals in across four years of high school competition prior to enrollment, and Randi Sewell, honored for All-Conference and All-Region honors in and during her time at the college. Historical figures such as Rebecca (Haeger) Toliver (1938), the first female graduate to serve in foreign missions, underscore the institution's early emphasis on missionary work.

Faculty and Administrators

Dr. Douglas F. Mann serves as the eighth president of Bryan College, assuming the role on July 15, 2020, after two years as for academics and provost. A 1992 alumnus of the college, Mann holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the and previously served as dean of the School of Adult Learning at . Key administrators include Dr. Kathryn Saynes, for academics, overseeing and development; Tim Hostetler, senior for operations and , who also advises the president; and Rebecca Dunn, for administration and athletics. These leaders operate under the college's board of trustees, which enforces adherence to its statement of belief emphasizing and traditional Christian doctrines. Bryan College's full-time faculty, numbering around 50-60 members across departments, integrate a biblically based into instruction, with approximately 82% holding doctoral or terminal degrees in their fields as of 2022. Faculty appointments require affirmation of the institution's doctrinal standards, which were clarified in 2014 to explicitly affirm complementarian views on sex and , leading to the departure of several professors who objected to the additions. Notable faculty include Dr. David Barnes in history and Dr. Jacob Bembe in business, among others listed on the official directory, though the institution prioritizes teaching over research prominence.

References

  1. https://www.bryan.edu/about/history/
  2. https://www.bryan.edu/about/
  3. https://www.christianpost.com/news/four-trustees-resign-from-bryan-college-over-leadership-statement-of-faith-controversy.html
  4. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2014/jul/19/four-trustees-resign-from-bryan-college/?breakingnews
  5. https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/bryan-college/
  6. https://ia600507.us.archive.org/34/items/Newsette/Newsette29.1.pdf
  7. https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0%2C33009%2C789259%2C00.html
  8. https://ia601301.us.archive.org/33/items/commoner1980brya/commoner1980brya.pdf
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