Bill Bryant

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Gas Rush

Description

This series consists of original digital audio interview recordings and selected CD listening copies relating to the Carrie and Michael Kline's documenting the wide spectrum of citizen opinion about natural gas extraction (Fracking / hydraulic fracturing) in Northcentral West Virginia mainly during 2014 and 2015. The interviews were drawn upon for use in the 8-minute audio feature Pay Dirt. Originals are housed with the Michael and Carrie Nobel Kline Collection at the Berea College Special Collections and Archives

To browse this collection and others, please visit the Berea College Special Collections & Archives: https://bereaarchives.libraryhost.com/

Date of Interview
06-24-2015
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Biographical Sketch

William Bryant, also known as Bill, was born on June 20, 1937, in a small crossroads town called Amlin, Ohio, near Plain City in the northwest part of greater Columbus. His father held various jobs, including milkman, railroader, and a captain in the Columbus police department's corrections division. His mother worked at Woolworths and raised six children, five boys and one girl, with William being the second boy. Despite dropping out of high school in his senior year, Bryant joined the Navy at seventeen and later earned a GED. He also took a course at Oakland Polytechnical High School, which, combined with his GED and previous high school credits, earned him a full high school diploma. This allowed him to attend Ohio State University as a veteran with a bona fide high school diploma. After graduating with a C average, Bryant went on to earn a master's degree from the University of San Francisco and completed all the necessary courses to be a teacher at American University, where he achieved a 4.0 average. He also passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and taught at various institutions, including Belmont College and Zane State, for several years.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with William Bryant provides a comprehensive account of his life, including his upbringing, education, and professional experiences. Bryant discusses his early life in Amlin, Ohio, his family background, and his decision to join the Navy after dropping out of high school. He details his educational journey, which includes earning a GED, a high school diploma from Oakland Polytechnical High School, a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, and a master's degree from the University of San Francisco. Bryant also shares his teaching experiences at various institutions, including Belmont College and Zane State, and his efforts to improve the business curriculum at Belmont College by introducing new courses such as business ethics. Additionally, Bryant provides insights into his time teaching at a prison, highlighting the racial disparities in the penal system. The interview also touches on Bryant's personal life, including his move back to Ohio after living in California and his experiences teaching in St. Clairsville schools. The interview provides a rich narrative of Bryant's life, offering insights into his personal growth, professional achievements, and perspectives on education and social issues.


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Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.