By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information
Serving students and faculty in the Learning Resource Center isn’t merely a means to a paycheck for Dr. Karla Bryan. It’s about fulfilling a passion.
Bryan, who late last year was selected to succeed Janice Sutton as director of the Trinity Valley Community College LRC, has hit the ground running since officially taking over at the beginning of this month. Students will soon begin filing in as the Spring 2015 semester kicks off, and that will afford Bryan and her staff an opportunity to do what they do best – connecting library customers to a world full of information.
“This is my passion – helping students get the information they need. And ultimately, that is what’s going to help them be successful,” Bryan said. “I had to learn how to get that information the hard way, but we’ve got a group of people here who are committed to helping people use the library.”
Bryan is a 1991 graduate of LaPoynor High School who received her master’s degree in Library Science at Texas Women’s University. She went on to receive her doctorate in Higher Education/Adult Learning from Walden University. When Bryan arrived at TVCC as a technical assistant in the computer room in 2001, she was just a few credits shy of earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler.
She credits Sutton (who retired in December 2014 after 14 years with the college) with constantly encouraging her to continue her education.
“Janice is the whole reason I have a career,” Bryan said. “I had no library experience when I came here and she took a chance and hired me. She was a great mentor and encourager to me and I really feel like I owe all of my professional success to her.”
Bryan said she plans to continue building relationships that encourage students and faculty members to connect through the LRC with an eye toward the future. She said she and the staff are excited about the addition of a collaboration room designed to help groups of students and faculty learn interactively using various forms of media. In a discipline where the flow of information is always moving and changing with every technological advance, staying on the cutting edge is crucial.
TVCC Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jerry King said he is excited about the vision and leadership Bryan will bring to the LRC as it strives to support and benefit students and faculty.
“TVCC is very fortunate to have Dr. Bryan as the new Director of Learning Resources,” said Dr. Jerry King, Vice President of Instruction.
“Although it is difficult to replace the retiring Janice Sutton, the leadership transition will be very smooth and seamless with Dr. Bryan.”