BOLIVAR, Mo. — Robbie Bryant, MEP maintenance supervisor, and his wife, Dr. Julie Bryant, associate professor of education, received the Staff and Faculty Life Beautiful Awards during the annual employee Christmas banquet Dec. 6 at Southwest Baptist University.
“The designation ‘life beautiful’ is the highest honor a person can receive at Southwest Baptist University,” said Dr. C. Pat Taylor, SBU president. “Each year during spring commencement, we honor two graduating seniors who are chosen by the faculty as best exemplifying a ‘life beautiful.’ And, each year during the employee Christmas Banquet, we honor a faculty member and a staff member who exemplify a ‘life beautiful.’ ”
The Faculty Life Beautiful Award was established in 1987, and the Staff Life Beautiful Award was established in 1992.
Staff Life Beautiful
Robbie Bryant has worked in SBU’s Physical Plant for 14 years and currently is the MEP maintenance supervisor. He attends Lakeside Assembly of God Church, where he serves as the lead musician for the worship team. In addition, he serves in the music ministry of First Baptist Church of Bolivar at the Esquire, where he sings, plays instruments and acts in various skits.
“Over the years, he has worked diligently to meet the maintenance needs of the University in an efficient and timely manner,” Dr. Taylor said. “He understands the value and importance of ensuring a comfortable, functional work environment for SBU’s students, faculty and staff. He is known always to have a pleasant demeanor with anyone with whom he has contact, treating everyone with respect, dignity and understanding.
“As one co-worker noted, ‘He is a great example of a Christian family man; he loves his wife and children as Christ loves us.’ ”
He also is a member of the “Highway 32 Bluegrass” band, ministering at churches around the state through Christian bluegrass music.
Faculty Life Beautiful
Dr. Julie Bryant has been a member of the SBU faculty since 2002 when she began as an instructor of education. Before coming to SBU, she taught kindergarten and first grade at School of the Osage. She currently is an associate professor of education, the Lewis E. Schollian Chair of Education and Faculty Senate president.
She has a bachelor of science degree from SBU, a master’s from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a doctorate of education from Liberty University.
“Dr. (Lee) Skinkle has shared with me how impressed he has been by her spirit of enthusiasm and cooperation, and what a pleasure it is to work with her,” Dr. Taylor said. “She is truly an asset to our University.”
“She has amazing energy, truly cares about her students, and pays attention to her students’ needs,” one of her students shared. “She goes above and beyond to help her students and is a fantastic role model for what a great teacher must be.”
And from one of her colleagues: “She is a blessing to all with whom she works. She constantly seeks ways to improve her instruction, care more deeply for the students, while engaging in many activities throughout campus. She always brings smiles to faces across campus.”
She is a member of Lakeside Assembly of God Church in Pittsburg. The Bryants have two children, Jaron and Jaylee.