Bryan Deever Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of our friend and colleague, Dr. Bryan Deever

Dr. Bryan Deever was a faculty member in the Department of Curriculum, Foundations, and Research at Georgia Southern University from September, 1989 till his tragic death on April 12, 2000. The following tribute was written by Beth Downs.

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Bryan received his Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies / Social Foundations of Education from Miami University (Ohio) in 1989 and joined the Georgia Southern University faculty the same year.  Bryan was an outstanding teacher, scholar, and leader both within the College of Education and throughout the University environment.

Bryan had an outstanding record of service to Georgia Southern University through his work on many varied and challenging committees.  His service contributions include:  Vice President of GS / American Association of University Professors, University Ad Hoc Committee on Academic Freedom, Faculty Senate, University Faculty Research Committee, Communication and Strategies for Creating Equity, and University Ad Hoc Committee on Women’s and Gender Studies Minor.  As a scholar, Dr. Deever had published numerous articles and presented at many national conferences.  His professional influence will continue as a legacy of these activities.

One of Dr. Deever’s most lasting contributions to Georgia Southern University was the creation of the Doctoral program in Curriculum Studies.  Dr. Deever was a scholar who was highly respected by his students.  Students often spoke of his availability and the care and concern he showed to them.  Many considered him to be a friend as well as a mentor.

In recent years, Bryan had taken up the hobby of enduro karting with the Alliance Racing team.  His racing companions referred to him as “The Professor.”  In addition to his racing hobby, Bryan was also well known for taking in stray animals, nursing them back to health, and finding them good homes.

As a colleague, Bryan never backed down from issues for which he had strong convictions.  He accepted leadership roles that sometimes required him to stand alone.  Bryan had a strong, charismatic presence; if you were in a room with Bryan, you knew he was there.

As a friend, Bryan always demonstrated a willingness to listen.  He had a unique quality that made people feel as though he always had the time to attend to any of their concerns.

Perhaps the quality I will cherish most in my memories of Bryan was his keen sense of humor.  I looked forward to every encounter I had with Bryan.  Regardless of the circumstance, Bryan could always make me laugh.

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If you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund, please make your check payable to Georgia Southern University Foundation (for the Bryan Deever Memorial Scholarship) and send to the Foundation Office at Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8053, Statesboro, GA 30460-8053.

Current students can log in to MyGeorgiaSouthern and click the MyScholarships link.  Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete your MyScholarships application. The application is good for one year. 

Click Here for a Bibliography for Dr. Bryan Deever

Last updated: 5/18/2021