A Conversation With...
Dr. Bryant Griffith

Q: Where did you grow up and how did you get here, (A&M-CC)?

A: I’m from Toronto, Canada. I left there at age 18 and started traveling the world. I went to twelve different universities, on three different continents. I have two Bachelors of Arts degrees, one in History and one in Philosophy; and a Bachelor of Education; my Masters of Arts degree and my Ph.D. degree are both in Philosophy of Education. I have taught at the high school and university level in many different parts of Canada. I’m married with two adult children, both girls, one still in Toronto, the other in New York. My wife and I came here January of last year (2002), so we’ve been here for almost a year. I teach at the Masters and Doctoral level.

Q: What motivates you and has helped you become who you are today?

A: Challenges and opportunities are what keep me motivated.

Q: What makes you passionate about your field and teaching students?

A: I think we can help people along the way and make the world a better place.

Q: What course(s) are your favorite to teach?

A: The Philosophy of Education course is my favorite because I think it gives students opportunities to think about problems in the present world.

Q: What co-curricular activities are you involved in, and how can students become involved with you in those activities?

A: I’m an advisor/co-sponsor to the Graduate Association which is for students who are in the Doctoral program in Education.

Q: Outside of TAMUCC, what extracurricular activities are you involved in; what do you do for fun?

A: I like to hike, bike, ride, travel and read.

Q: Who inspired you the most or had the greatest impact during your collegiate experience which directed you to your field of study?

A: Sir Isaiah Berlin of Oxford. When I was in the Doctoral program there, I got to spend some time with him. He asked me what I was trying to research, and although he didn’t agree with it; he encouraged me to pursue my studies, and come back to him and convince him.

Q: What is your greatest achievement and whom do you attribute this to?

A: I’d have to say my family.

Q: What question does the study of Education attempt to answer?

A: Philosophy attempts to raise questions about why things are the way they are.

Q: Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing?

A: A cut-off T-shirt