T.W. Bryant Space Science Center

Honoree

Thomas William Bryant was born in 1890. He received his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Florida in 1912 and 1915, and he was elected Student Body President from 1911 to 1912. He served three successive terms in the Florida Legislature in the 1920s and three terms on the Board of Control, the predecessor to the Board of Regents, from 1936 to 1949. While in the legislature, Bryant was a champion of the No Fence law and a cattle tick eradication program. He supported construction of Alligator Alley and was influential in bringing streetlights to downtown Lakeland, passing bond issues for light and water service, the purchase of land near Lake Morton for a library, and the opening of the Lake Mirror complex.

The Thomas Bryant Stadium in Lakeland was dedicated in 1941 in recognition for his support of football. Much of the growth and development of the University of Florida can be traced to his advocacy. The Thomas W. Bryant Space Science Research Building was dedicated in 1968. In 1987, he received the George Jenkins Award for public service from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

Thomas W. Bryant died in 1992 at the age of 102. His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland.

Facility History

The T.W. Bryant Space Science Center houses the Department of Astronomy and is centrally located across from the recently renovated HUB.

Click here to visit the Bryant Space Science Center virtually through UF's campus map