Bryan College: Difference between revisions

| name = Bryan College

| native_name =

| image_name = BC-Stacked Red.png

| image_size = 200px

| caption =

| latin_name =

| motto = "Christ Above All"

| mottoeng =

| established = 1930

| closed =

| type = [[Private college]]

| religious_affiliation = [[Christianity|Christian]]

| endowment = $6 million

| officer_in_charge =

| chairman =

| chancellor =

| president = Douglas F. Mann

| vice-president =

| superintendent =

| provost =

| vice_chancellor =

| rector =

| principal =

| dean =

| director =

| head_label =

| head =

| faculty = 164 (42 full-time)

| administrative_staff = 169 (131 full-time)

| students = 1,656

| postgrad = 174

| doctoral =

| other = 840

| city = [[Dayton, Tennessee|Dayton]]

| state = [[Tennessee]]

| country = United States

| coor = {{coord|35.4976|-84.9991|display=inline,title}}

| campus = Small town

| former_names = William Jennings Bryan University (1930–1958)<br>William Jennings Bryan College (1958–1993)

| free_label =

| free =

| sports =

| colors = {{color box|#990000}} {{color box|#fdba00}} {{color box|white}}<br>Red, Gold & White

| colours =

| sports_nickname = Lions

| mascot = Lion

| athletics_affiliations = [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] – [[Appalachian Athletic Conference|Appalachian]]

| academic_affiliations = [[Appalachian College Association]], [[Association of Christian Schools International]], [[Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]]

| website = {{URL|http://www.bryan.edu/}}

| logo =

| footnotes =

'''Bryan College''' is a [[Private college|private]] [[Christianity|Christian]] college in [[Dayton, Tennessee]]. 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]].

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".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/history.html |title=College History |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918043331/http://www.bryan.edu/history.html |archive-date=2012-09-18 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 26, 1925, he died in his sleep in Dayton, five days after the trial ended.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1925/07/27/Great-Commoner-Bryan-dies-in-sleep-apoplexy-given-as-cause-of-death/4119893170734/|title=Great Commoner Bryan dies in sleep, apoplexy given as cause of death|agency=UPI|language=en|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref> 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 [[Christianity|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,"<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,789259,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130030437/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,789259,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 30, 2009 |title=Education: Bryan University |magazine=Time |date=1930-08-18 |access-date=2012-11-07}}</ref><!---

*Douglas Mann (2020–present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/news/2019/09/bryan-college-announces-dr-douglas-mann-as-next-president/|title=Bryan College Announces Dr. Douglas Mann as Next President|date=2019-09-24|publisher=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-26}}</ref>

[[File:The Bryan College campus in Dayton, Tennessee, on Sept. 3, 2015.jpg|thumb|The Bryan College campus in Dayton, Tennessee, on Sept. 3, 2015]]

The Bryan College campus is located in Dayton, Tennessee, on a {{convert|128|acre|adj=on}} hilltop.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/about/|title=About Bryan|website=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/life-at-bryan/campus/housing/|title=Housing|website=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> The newest addition to the campus, the Stophel Welcome Center, opened on October 4, 2019. The Stophel Center is a two-story building that encompasses 18,000 square feet. The building is home to 25 offices, including admissions, advancement, marketing, and executive offices, as well as a banquet facility.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/news/2019/09/stophel-center-grand-opening-set-for-oct-4/|title=Stophel Center Grand Opening Set for Oct. 4|date=2019-09-30|website=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref>

Its association with the Scopes trial has led to its addition as a stop along the [[Southeast Tennessee Religious Trail]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southeasttennessee.com/www/docs/664.2693/religious-college-in-dayton-tennessee.html |title=Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association |publisher=Southeasttennessee.com |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210211359/http://www.southeasttennessee.com/www/docs/664.2693/religious-college-in-dayton-tennessee.html |archive-date=2012-02-10 }}</ref>

As of 2019, Bryan College has an on-campus [[physical therapy]] clinic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://omni-rehab.business.site/|title=Omni Rehab|website=omni-rehab.business.site|language=en|access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/news/2019/08/omni-rehab-opens-bryan-college-location/|title=Omni Rehab Opens Bryan College Location|date=2019-08-16|website=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref>

Bryan offers [[associate degree]]s, [[bachelor's degree]]s in 20 majors with over 60 distinct options,<ref>[http://www.bryan.edu/programs.html Programs offered at Bryan College] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616082348/http://www.bryan.edu/programs.html |date=June 16, 2008 }}</ref> and three [[master's degree]]s - the [[Master of Business Administration]], the [[Master of Arts]] in Christian studies, and the [[Master of Education]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/graduatestudies |title=Graduate Programs |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024011930/http://www.bryan.edu/graduatestudies |archive-date=2012-10-24 }}</ref> 77% of their professors hold terminal degrees in their fields of study.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/292 |title=Faculty |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219212902/http://www.bryan.edu/292 |archive-date=2012-02-19 }}</ref> Bryan College also has over 26 different [[Minor (academic)|minors]]<ref name="Minors">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/academics/undergraduate/minors/|title=Minors|website=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref> available to students with varying interests. Minors include biblical studies, business administration, leadership studies, and theater.<ref name="Minors" />

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/adult.html |title=Adult and Graduate Studies Programs |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001015347/http://www.bryan.edu/adult.html |archive-date=2012-10-01 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bryan.edu/news/2018/02/bryan-college-announces-the-vogel-school-of-engineering/|title=Bryan College Vogel School of Engineering Announced|date=2018-02-05|website=Bryan College|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-26}}</ref>

On April 14th, 2023, Bryan College hosted an open house and a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the Clara Ward School of Nursing, allowing Bryan College students to pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McIntosh |first=Alex |date=2023-04-14 |title=Bryan College Holds Official Open House and Ribbon Cutting for the Clara Ward School of Nursing » Bryan College {{!}} Dayton, TN |url=https://www.bryan.edu/bryan-college-ribbon-cutting-nursing/ |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=Bryan College {{!}} Dayton, TN |language=en-US}}</ref>

Bryan ranks 71st in the ''U.S. News & World Report'' for Regional Universities in the South as of the 2019 rankings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/bryan-college-3536 |title=Bryan College - Profile, Rankings and Data &#124; US News Best Colleges (2019)|publisher=Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com |access-date=2019-02-25}}</ref>

In 2015, the college ranked 22nd<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-colleges-south/page+3 |title=Regional College South Rankings &#124; Top Regional Colleges South &#124; US News Best Colleges |publisher=Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com |access-date=2015-06-15}}</ref> and was formerly ranked fourth among the "Up and Coming" institutions in its category by the same publisher in 2012.

Bryan College is a member of the [[Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ticua.org/ |title=TICUA |publisher=TICUA |access-date=2012-11-07}}</ref> the [[Council for Higher Education Accreditation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chea.org/ |title=Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (2012) |publisher=CHEA |date=2012-09-14 |access-date=2012-11-07}}</ref> the [[Appalachian College Association]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acaweb.org/about/member-institutions/ |title=Appalachian College Association – Member Institutions |publisher=Acaweb.org |access-date=2012-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101182716/http://acaweb.org/about/member-institutions/ |archive-date=2012-11-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the [[Association of Christian Schools International]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acsi.org/ |title=ACSI |publisher=ACSI |access-date=2012-11-07}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |author=Alan Binder |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Bryan College Is Torn: Can Darwin and Eden Coexist? |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/education/christian-college-faces-uproar-after-bolstering-its-view-on-evolution.html |access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

The same month, the faculty voted 30–2 "no confidence" in the college president, Stephen Livesay.<ref name="TFP2015Oct">{{cite news |author=Kendi Anderson |date=October 11, 2015 |title=Professors, president clash at Bryan College |newspaper=Chattanooga [[Times Free Press]] |url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2015/oct/11/professors-president-clash-brycollege/329885/ |access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kendi Anderson |date=October 8, 2014 |title=Bryan College, professors settle lawsuit |newspaper=Chattanooga [[Times Free Press]] |url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2014/oct/08/bryan-college-professors-settle-lawsuit/269025/ |access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

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.<ref name="TFP2015Oct"/><ref name="InsideHigherEd2015">{{cite web |author=Scott Jaschik |date=October 12, 2015 |title=Bryan College Restricts Faculty Meetings |website=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/10/12/bryan-college-restricts-faculty-meetings |access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

{{Main|Bryan Lions}}

[[File:Bryan_College_students_play_volleyball_in_Summers_Gymnasium_02.jpg|thumb|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.<ref>[http://www.bryanlions.com/Quick_Facts Quick Facts - Bryan College]</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Schools|url=http://www.naia.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27900&ATCLID=205322922|website=NAIA.ORG|publisher=NAIA|accessdate=11 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="AAC Membership">{{cite web|title=Members|url=http://www.aacsports.com/members.php|publisher=Appalachian Athletic Conference|accessdate=8 March 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307145123/http://www.aacsports.com/members.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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, martial arts and shooting.

''Bryan Life'', the college's alumni magazine, is published twice a year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/bryan_life |title=Bryan Life – Fall 2012 |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717081826/http://www.bryan.edu/bryan_life |archive-date=2012-07-17 }}</ref> ''Illumine'' is a publication of the Bryan Institute for Critical Thought and Practice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/illumine |title=Illumine |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108175811/http://www.bryan.edu/illumine |archive-date=2012-11-08 }}</ref> ''E-Lumine'' is an e-newsletter for alumni and friends of Bryan, and is published each month except July.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bryan.edu/e-lumine |title=e-Lumine Newsletter |publisher=Bryan.edu |access-date=2012-11-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219212937/http://www.bryan.edu/e-lumine |archive-date=2012-02-19 }}</ref> ''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 in electronically.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bryantriangle.com/about-us/|title=Triangle|publisher=Bryan.edu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219212946/http://www.bryan.edu/7229|archive-date=2012-02-19|access-date=2012-11-07}}</ref> In 2012, President Stephen Livesay prevented a student news story from being run, which revealed the coverup of the arrest of a faculty member.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://splc.org/2012/09/after-college-spikes-story-on-professors-arrest-student-editor-publishes-it-himself/|title=Student Press Law Center {{!}} After college spikes story on professor’s arrest, student editor publishes it himself|date=2012-09-26|website=Student Press Law Center|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-27}}</ref> In 2015, the Vice President of Academics imposed censorship restrictions on the Triangle.<ref name="InsideHigherEd2015"/> Students are required to get approval from the current faculty advisor in order to run any stories.

* [[David Alward]] – Canadian politician, former premier of New Brunswick

* [[Robert Clouse (professor)|Robert Clouse]] – professor

* [[Rachel Held Evans]] – ''New York Times'' best-selling author

* [[David C. Fisher]] – Bible scholar, pastor

* [[George D. Miller III|George D. Miller]] – former president of [[Davis College (New York)|Davis College]]

* {{Official website|http://www.bryan.edu}}

* {{Official website|http://www.bryanlions.com|Official athletics website}}

* [http://www.bryantriangle.com Bryan Triangle]