B.J. Bryson: diversity leader extraordinaire
News
By: Sara Banton
Creative Services Student Writer
Photo: BJ Bryson (right) at the "Sisters in Session: Black Women in Academe” conference
Social work professor B.J. Bryson is known for going above and beyond to provide leadership for all aspects of diversity education and inclusion activities. Bryson has pioneered ways to help students and community members feel empowered and capable of great achievements. In February, she received the Faculty/Staff Award from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first sorority established by African-American women, and in March, she received the Compass Award for Diversity in the area of Leader, highlighting her many contributions.
Bryson was awarded with the Faculty/Staff Award at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s third annual Black Girls Rock! Award Gala, inspired by an award show with the same name. She received this award for her commitment to fierce leadership and innovation, exhibiting characteristics of sisterhood, scholarship and service and for her ability to uplift and empower others.
Her second award, the Compass Award, is given to a community member who has changed the course of diversity and inclusion at JMU and excels in mentoring, guiding, facilitating and influencing students and faculty. Bryson is currently studying diversity issues in Mexico while on educational leave and was not able to accept her award in person. One of her nominators, Venus Miller, career readiness coordinator and liaison to Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS), accepted it on her behalf.
Seven faculty members with three additional endorsements collectively nominated Bryson for the Compass Award. A.J. Morey, associate vice provost for cross disciplinary programs, submitted the final nomination letter on behalf of all nominators.
“I nominated Bryson because I admired her and wanted to thank her for her inclusive vision, forthrightness and collegial kindness,” Morey said. “She has such a good, hard-working spirit about her.”
The nomination letter referenced Bryson’s work in creating the “Sisters in Session: Black Women in Academe” conference and the Purple and Gold Connection in addition to her ability to respond to urgent social justice needs.
She created Sisters in Session in 2014, after recognizing the low number of black women attending colleges and universities. The fourth annual conference took place in November with the theme of “Reclaiming Ourselves.” In addition to providing support for women in higher education, the conference included workshops about transitions, intersectionality, black women’s reality and self-care and focused on what academic trauma is, its effects and developing strategies for a more harmonious and successful experience in the academy.
The Purple and Gold Connection is a partnership between JMU and Waynesboro High School. Through this organization, JMU students provide mentorship, educational workshops and activity support to high school students who have the potential to develop a career plan that would include higher education, but lack the financial capability to achieve their goal. The mentors develop positive relationships with the mentees and help them set post-graduation plans. Bryson, being so dedicated to this project, even moved to Waynesboro for a year to fully immerse herself in the community.
“Bryson leads faculty as well as students in being professional and does so by exhibiting a loving and caring spirit which is not only infectious but inspiring,” the Compass Award nomination letter read.
Department of Social Work head, Lisa McGuire, sees Bryson as a leader for all students in the social work program. Diversity education is a critical part of the social work profession and included in the Social Work Code of Ethics. Taking on a variety of initiatives over the years, Bryson’s experiences have provided her with an enhanced insight into diversity education.
“I couldn’t agree more that she is a leader in diversity, education and support for diverse students on campus,” McGuire said. “I am so proud to have her as part of the faculty of our department.”
