From the beginning, the emphasis in the BRYAN HALL LEARNING COMMUNITY program has been on helping students succeed, given that students who experience success in their first year of college are more likely to stay in school and attain their academic and career goals. Services and opportunities allowed students to meet people of similar interests, get to know faculty on a personal basis, receive the academic support they needed, and become involved in campus activities. Students would experience the benefits of living in a close-knit, supportive environment and, at the same time, have access to the resources of a large research university. However, the specific goal of the Bryan Hall Learning Community was to introduce students to the unique opportunities that only a major research university provides.

Therefore, faculty involvement would be critical. Some of the incentives for faculty participation in the program included a small class size and a coherent student body, a well-equipped classroom, and of course, the rare opportunity of working within a unique educational setting.

After presenting drafts of the program proposal to the Faculty Senate Steering Committee, the full Faculty Senate, and the department chairs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the committee received input and encouragement from the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Offices of the President and Provost. After the careful research, after much stimulating discussion, and after the appropriate renovation, the beautiful Bryan Hall officially opened its doors for its first Learning Community in the Fall of 1997. Dr. George Weaver directed the program, and his successful leadership has led to FSU’s development of other Learning Communities, using Bryan as a model.

Bryan Hall had such a successful beginning that much has remained the same, several years later. While some details have changed in terms of specific requirements, the Bryan Hall Learning Community still features a colloquium, in-house courses, and mentor groups. However, when Dr. Dennis Moore became Associate Director in 1999 and then Director in 2000, he helped to shape the theme of the Learning Community, adding language to the application essay questions that emphasizes CURIOSITY and the DESIRE TO LEARN. You'll notice a continued emphasis on Curiosity and the Desire to Learn throughout the Bryan Hall correspondence and presentations. Prospective and current Bryan Hall residents should not only expect to learn about the unique opportunities available at this research institution, but they should see themselves as embodying a true sense of curiosity.

After serving for a year as Bryan Hall's Associate Director, Dr. Jonathan Grant became Director in Summer 2004 and served through Spring 2008. Dr. Grant’s contributions to the further development of the learning community included continuing the “Conversations . . .” series with FSU faculty book talks, as well as implementing supplemental enrichment programming, such as "Popcorn and Professor" film discussions and special guest visits from CIA representatives discussing internship opportunities. He also coordinated a special relationship with the Department of Modern Languages, who offered foreign language courses in Bryan.

During the 2003-2004 academic year, his fourth as Director, Dr. Dennis Moore also served as FSU's first-ever Coordinating Director of University Learning Communities, a role in which he continued to coordinate the academic activities of FSU's "Community of Communities." In Summer 2008, he graciously agreed to direct again, bringing his coordinating experience "home" to Bryan and making for a very smooth transition as the Bryan Hall Learning Community entered its eleventh year.

Assistant-to-the-Director from 2001-2004 and Assistant Director from 2004 through 2008, Ms. Tonia Hoffman developed and coordinated a range of activities, from Welcome Week events during Move-In Week to Book Club and Film Club chats. She also hosted regular “Coffee Talk” meetings to encourage faculty and student interaction.

The Bryan Hall Learning Community continues to be a microcosm of what the university represents—a place of quest, curiosity, and exploration. We hope that you continue to explore, satisfying your desire to learn, whether it is here at The Florida State University, as a member of the Bryan Hall Learning Community, or as a member of our broader community. Stay curious!