This edition reflects substantial additions to the collection in 2005, which necessitated a change in the arrangement.
University of Central Florida Special Collections and University Archives. All rights reserved.
Similar records may be found by searching under the following index terms.
The materials were either donated by Robert A. Bryan, Victoria Brown or Phyllis Hudson in 2005 or they were found in the Collection.
News clippings were photocopied. Some photographs are copies as Dr. Bryan wanted to keep the originals.
The entire collection is available for research.
Unpublished records are protected by copyright. Permission to publish quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Documents concerning Dr. Bryan's achievements as Interim President may be found in the records from the Office of the President.
Collected Materials on Robert A. Bryan, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Robert A. Bryan was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on 26 April 1926. He earned his B.A. in English from the University of Miami and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Between 1957 and 1990 he taught English at the University of Florida, Florida Southern College and Florida Atlantic University. Meanwhile, he began his administrative career by becoming Assistant to the Dean of the University of Florida Graduate School in 1961. Seven years later, he moved to Florida Atlantic University where he was appointed Dean of Advanced Studies and Director of Research. In 1970, he returned to the University of Florida as the Dean of Faculties. A year later, he received a promotion to Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and in 1975 he became Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Ten years later, the title of "provost" was added to his brief. He served as Interim President at the University of Florida from 1989-1990 and had recently retired when he received the call to be interim president at the University of Central Florida in 1991. He subsequently interrupted his retirement again to act as interim president at University of South Florida from 1993-1994. Ultimately, he retired to Gainesville.
Each folder comprises a series by type of document. Series I: Correspondence and Minutes, 1991-1992 contains correspondence from or concerning Dr. Bryan and minutes from Board of Regents meetings where his appointment was discussed.
Series II: Invitations, Programs and Certificates, 1991-1997 holds invitations and certificates issued in Dr. Bryan's name and for his retirement celebrations. Programs for the dedication of the Downtown Academic Center in 1997 and for the 1992 Freshman Honors Convocation. This series also holds some copies of amusing pieces written about Dr. Bryan on his retirement that reveal his personality.
Series III: News Clippings, 1991-1992 contains clippings that mostly concern Dr. Bryan's appointment and his retirement.
Series IV: Photographs 1994-1994 contains photographs of Dr. and Mrs. Bryan in a variety of social situations connected with the University.