Mr. James Bryant (’95) earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, then went on to earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lamar University. For 30 years, he has faithfully filled various roles and positively impacted young lives through education, including the classroom, administration, and coaching basketball. Currently, he serves as the Superintendent of Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips CISD in Stinnett, Texas.
Read along to hear more of James’s decision to attend ETBU, his reflections, and the impact it has made on his journey.
I chose East Texas Baptist University because of its Christ-centered focus and friendly atmosphere. Although it was larger than my high school in Buna, Texas, it was still small enough for me to meet and get to know a large majority of the students on campus.
There were so many faculty members who made a lasting impact on my life during my time at ETBU. One who stands out is Coach Bert West. Year after year—and even long after I graduated—he remained an incredible encourager and supporter. He guided me toward opportunities I might not have had the confidence to pursue without his belief in me and his steady presence in my corner.
Early in my coaching career, much of my professional network stemmed from the connections I made at ETBU. I loved attending statewide events and running into fellow alumni like Clay Freeman, Chris Cornelison, Giff Durham, and others. I even saw Scott Roycroft officiating at the State Basketball Tournament—those kinds of moments continued for years. Thanks to Facebook, I’ve stayed connected with many other alumni, some of whom I’ve worked with to buy homes, cars, insurance, and even plan vacations. One of my closest friends, Alex Rhyne, was the best man in my wedding. Even though we live 500 miles apart, we still make time to see each other several times a year. Over the years, I’ve even had the opportunity to teach alongside fellow ETBU alumni and to coach or teach their children. It’s a powerful reminder of how strong and far-reaching the ETBU community truly is.
When I reflect on my time in the early ’90s on the Hill, it’s the memories outside of class that stand out the most. We spent a lot of time just hanging out and finding ways to entertain ourselves with no money to spend in a town that didn’t offer much. Intramurals were always fun, but so was playing spades in the lobby of Feagan Hall. What I remember most, though, is the sense of community. When I walked across campus, I could stop and visit with just about everyone. And if I didn’t know them, I got to know them.
During my years on the Hill, I learned the importance of being kind to others and genuinely curious about their lives. That mindset helped me develop early interpersonal skills and a sense of empathy—qualities that have served me well throughout my career as a teacher, coach, and school administrator.