ALUMNI NEWS: SENIOR KAPPA SPOTLIGHT
fighters associated with ASC is one reason state officials unfairly targeted the institu- tion, which eventually lost its accreditation. But, guided by intrepid administrators, ASC regained its accredita- tion and became a university in 1969. Leadership as Grand Histo- rian and Chapter Advisor for Beta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Recollecting his 70–plus years in our Noble Clan, Dr. Bryson said he has enjoyed many fine experiences since his birth as a Fall 1946 Initiate into the University of Cincinnati Chapter, Beta Eta. Serving as Montgomery Alumni Chapter Keeper of Records for 43 years is one such experience. Editing “Books and Such” for The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal , a role he took on in 1969, and coauthoring History of the Southern Province (1997) with Elder Watson Diggs Recipient Everharding Pruitt are two others. However, helping mold undergraduate leaders for more than a half century as Advisor to the Beta Zeta Chapter of Kappa is a crown jewel. “My life as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi,” he reminisced, “is im- printed and intertwined with countless memories of many Scrollers, Kappas, and high achieving young men who entered the halls of ASCN, ASC, and ASU. Oh, my,
many other brothers were instrumental to the comple- tion of the edition. “As a scholar,” Bryson recounted in 2020, “my fraternal work was quite meaningful because of the association, friendship, and professional relationship empowered by the philosophy, leadership, and support of 8 th Journal Editor and Laurel Wreath Laureate William L. Crump, Ph.D.; 12 th Journal Editor Mel Davis,” and Pruitt. “It was during this time,” Dr. Bryson went on, “that my Kappa Journey was filled with delight, transforma- tion, and preparation for our Centennial and entry into second-century Kappa.” An English Professor and “change agent” in a world that lacked diversity, inclusion, and opportunity
Core values of the English literary profession that Bryson learned as a college student helped prepare him to become an academician, scholar, and change agent in a world that lacked diversity, inclusion, and opportunity. In 2020, he recalled a few major achievements, chang- es, and signs of progress he experienced since joining the ASNC faculty in 1953. “I was afforded significant preparation for the English literary profession by joining and remaining active” in sev- eral local, state, and national organizations, Dr. Bryson reflected. “The Modern Lan- guage Association, the Na- tional Council of Teachers of English, the Association of College English Teachers of Alabama, and the Ala- bama Council of Teachers of English” were four such organizations. “The English
how I remember the times, moments, and triumphs! I dare not mention too many names, but John Ivery, Sr. Ernest McNealey, Ocie Pleasant and Willie Sutton are special brothers to me.” In 1997, the Fraternity elected Dr. Bryson Grand Historian at its 73 rd Grand Chapter Meeting in Detroit, Michigan, under 28 th Grand Polemarch Ronald R. Young. Publication of the 5 th edition of The Story of Kappa Alpha Psi (2003) was a major accomplishment during Bryson’s tenure. Brothers Keflyn X. Reed, Ed.D.; Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Cleo- phus Thomas, Jr., Esq.; Lau- rel Wreath Laureate and 26 th Grand Polemarch Ullysses McBride, Ph.D.; 29 th Grand Polemarch Howard L. Tut- man, Jr.; Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Earl T. Tildon; and
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Publishing achievement for more than 105 years
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