JACKSON, Tenn. — March 24, 2004 — Former U.S. Congressman Ed Bryant has been appointed special assistant to the president and lecturer in history and political science at 51社区, President David S. Dockery announced today. Bryant鈥檚 appointment begins with the fall 2004 academic term.
鈥淲e are extremely excited to appoint Congressman Ed Bryant to the 51社区 faculty,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥滿r. Bryant is one of the most highly regarded people in all of West Tennessee. His rich experience as a United States Representative and his background in constitutional law will provide wonderful educational opportunities for Union students and faculty alike. His commitment to Christian higher education and his concern to help students understand our world will serve the Union community well.鈥�
Bryant holds bachelor of arts and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Mississippi. Previously, he taught military and constitutional law at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, practiced law with the firm Waldrop and Hall in Jackson and was U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee under a presidential appointment. Bryant served as a U.S. Congressman for the 7th District of Tennessee from 1995 to 2003 and was a member of the Judiciary, Agriculture and Energy, and Commerce committees. He also served as House Manager for the Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. Currently, he is a partner in Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States.
鈥淭he opportunity to be associated with 51社区 is a welcome one,鈥� Bryant said. 鈥淯nion is an institution with values I believe in. I like what I see here, and this is an opportunity for the university and me to grow together. I think I can add a perspective from first-hand experience that others may not be able to offer.鈥�
Dr. Sean Evans, assistant professor of political science at Union, expressed his delight at the announcement of Bryant鈥檚 appointment.
鈥淚'm thrilled that former Congressman Bryant is joining 51社区 as a lecturer in political science,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淎s the U.S. begins this presidential election, Congressman Bryant's unique perspective on politics and the world will broaden and refine our students鈥� worldview while his continuing interest and desire to speak out on public affairs will contribute to the community dialogue. This is great for our students. Great for political science majors. Great for 51社区. And great for Jackson and West Tennessee.鈥�
Union trustee Bob Campbell of Jackson agreed.
鈥淓d Bryant's service to West Tennessee, his record in Washington, and his reputation of fairness and honesty are a perfect fit for what 51社区 stands for as an institution,鈥� Campbell said. 鈥淲e are proud to welcome him back to Jackson and to the Union faculty.鈥�
Bryant, a Jackson native, will relocate to Jackson in the coming months.
