Castell Vaughn Bryant, the first woman to serve as interim president of two universities in Florida, passed away on May 2. She was 88 years old.
Born and raised in Jasper, Florida, Dr. Bryant earned her bachelor’s degree in library science and her master’s degree in adult education from Florida A&M University. She later received a doctorate in vocational and adult education from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. Dr. Bryant went on to complete postdoctoral training in management at Harvard University.
After serving as an elementary school teacher, Dr. Bryant began her career in academia as chief assistant to the president of Florida A&M University. She moved on to Miami Dade College, where she rose through the ranks to serve as director of student retention, dean of students, and ultimately campus president of three of the college’s locations.
Dr. Bryant’s extensive background in higher education led to her appointment as interim president of Florida Memorial University. She was the first woman to serve in that capacity. After a stint as interim vice president of academic affairs at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, Dr. Bryant became the first woman to serve as interim president of Florida A&M University.
In addition to her work as a university administrator, Dr. Bryant was active in statewide and national education policy. She was a member of the Florida Board of Governors and served in the U.S. Department of Education during the Clinton administration.