Bryan is ready to meet you where you are and build a college schedule that is right for you!  In his role as Student Success Coordinator, he serves as academic advisor for students in the Deciding Student Program. 

Bryan is an explorer who has garnered many experiences throughout his life. After growing up in New York, they ventured to Oregon state where he pushed himself out of their comfort zone and embraced the experiences around him to discover newfound interests. There, Bryan got involved in Linfield University’s theatre department. Once they completed his degree at Linfield, Bryan continued to pursue their interests by moving to South Korea where he became a teacher and taught K-8th grade children. Teaching gave Bryan the chance to be creative every day and foster a sense of play & improv. Although they enjoyed teaching children, Bryan wanted to further himself by pursuing a Master’s through Southern New Hampshire’s online program. This love of learning motivated them to continue his education by attending their dream school: New York University (NYU). Bryan’s persistence and hard work in pursuing NYU underlines his resiliency and willingness to not back down in pursuit of their dreams. NYU honed Bryan’s academic and professional skills and gave him the opportunity to bring their love of comics into his career. Bryan’s passion for comics has been a lifelong interest that culminated in them joining the Comic Studies Society and discovering BGSU’s Department of Pop Culture. Once at BGSU, they used their strengths to help lift students up and encourage them to pursue their passions while he works on his doctorate. Like the heroes he admires, Bryan wants to hold the door open for others and help them succeed by leading with positivity and being a helper. Bryan empathizes with first year college students and wants to support them as they navigate college by providing information and resources they may need, whether that be building a schedule or finding a community that embraces their interests. 

One of Bryan’s favorite Life Design tools is the Dashboard. He finds this tool to be applicable to everyone, because it helps to make clear where we are putting our time and energy; it also provides the space to reflect on how we are feeling in key areas of our life and see if and/or how we want to redistribute where we are putting our focus. The Dashboard is a nice visual tool that helps reveal where we need support and how we can take action to find a balance that is right for us.  

As a Student Success Coordinator, you can expect to step into Bryan’s colorful office and be greeted with Bryan’s friendly, humble warmth. Bryan will do all they can to provide students with practical resources and a safe place to be themselves. His office includes fidget toys, sensory stickers, candy, and tons of pop culture references that foster a fun, comfortable atmosphere. Bryan’s openness and eagerness to learn about you will create a calming, purposeful environment that will help you feel seen and heard. His door is always open when you need it.  

Bryan’s biggest advice for college students is to not be afraid of trying something new. We can get trapped by the idea of being locked into one path, but college is a great time for discovery and spontaneity. If there is a club that looks interesting, then go to it! Be bold, adventurous, and build on the ideas around you. The willingness to keep an open mind and explore is a skill that we all innately have, and Bryan encourages you to keep building on that muscle as you explore your college years.

Words to Live By: 

"Are you ready to be strong?" -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer