Doug Bryant, Jr.

On Guard and In Class

Doug Bryant, Jr.
Florida Community College, Class of 2006

Douglas Bryant, Jr. was born in Jacksonville in 1982, but his father was in the Navy, and like many Navy families, he moved around — first to Camp Springs, Maryland and then Virginia Beach. Doug thinks it was there that he acquired his laid-back, yet positive demeanor. Even when his family returned to Jacksonville, that reputation followed, where he was known at the “silent man” at First Coast High School.

Bryant graduated from First Coast in 2000 and attended Jacksonville University (JU) for two years, where he majored in engineering. He received a partial scholarship from participating in the Naval ROTC program, but it wasn’t enough to cover the expenses of a private college. He left JU and joined the Florida Air National Guard in 2003.

But Bryant didn’t stay away from college for long. In 2004, his girlfriend Tiffany urged him to go back to school. He took her up on the advice. He chose Florida Community College for several reasons.

“I was amazed at how many options FCCJ offered in the area of computers,” he says. “It was my military experience that guided me to pursuing a degree in computer engineering technology. My job title in the Florida Air National Guard is Information Manager. The training that I am getting with the Guard is in direct correlation to what I learn during my class time and vise versa.”

He likes the fact that he can work full time and attend night classes, but it’s his instructors that really get this quiet man talking. He quickly names several who’ve made an impact on his time here: humanities professor Linda Fisher, human relations professor Dana Kuehn, professional development instructor Callie Williams, IT professor Kevin Hampton and his current IT professor, Wally Eaton.

Bryant will graduate this August with an associate’s degree in computer engineering technology. After graduation, he plans to work in the private sector as a computer technician but will stay active in the Guard. The Senior Airman is with the 125th Fighter Wing and currently works full time at the base which is located near the Jacksonville International Airport.

And that smart girlfriend that encouraged him to go back to school? He showed his appreciation with the ultimate compliment — he married her! They were married on November 27, 2005.

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