Torch, Fall 2003

4 TORCH / Fall 2003 B ill Brown’s legacy as president of Bryan College might be summarized in the record books as that of a visionary. Strategic planning, goals for and growth in enrollment, the largest capital campaign in Bryan College history, and programmatic changes to strengthen Bryan’s distinctives are among Dr. Brown’s contributions. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff wouldn’t argue with those points, but they would say those facts don’t capture the heart of the man who helped ensure that Bryan’s strong spiritual and academic commitment never overshadowed the College’s commitment to the individual. Dr. Brown arrived at Bryan in 1984 as associate professor of biblical studies. Dr. W. Gary Phillips was involved in the interview process when Dr. Brown was hired. Phillips said, “Bryan had many worthy candidates, but no one with the breadth and depth of knowledge or the communication skills of Bill Brown. The bottom line, however, is that Bill is a scholar who is in love with Jesus Christ — a commitment which is evident in everything he does. And as it turned out, Bill and I spent years working hard together, as well as laughing together over a progressive array of practical jokes that I could never reveal … or so I tell him.” Dr. Brown’s knowledge and humor were appreciated in the classroom, and several times he B