SANFORD - The North Carolina Community College System has selected Carl Bryan, Central Carolina Community College dean of Student Learning and physical education instructor, as one of its top five instructors in the system for 2011.

"You are among a select group of instructors who represent the best teachers employed in the System," Sharon Morrissey, NCCCS vice president and chief academic officer over Academic and Student Services, said in announcing his selection.

The NCCCS employs about 3,000 full-time faculty in its 58 colleges that serve all 100 of the state's counties. Each year, the full-time faculty at each of the colleges select an Instructor of the Year who exemplifies the best of their profession. In 2010, his peers chose Bryan for that honor.

The Instructors of the Year then compete for the NCCCS Excellence in Teaching Award, which has been given annually since 1985. Through interviews and specific selection criteria, the system office selection committee narrows the candidates down to the top five. The top winner for the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award will be announced in the fall.

According to the committee, Bryan is the first physical education instructor ever to be recognized among the system's top five instructors.

"I am elated to be recognized by the NCCCS," Bryan said. "It is even better that it sheds light on my field of physical education."  

He said that his recognition showed that the community college system not only places emphasis on technical, vocational, and university transfer education opportunities, but also recognizes that everyone needs to place their health and wellness as a priority in their lives.

"Carl Bryan is both an outstanding educator and a great college leader," said CCCC President Bud Marchant. "We at the college appreciate the outstanding qualities he brings to his work with students and in other areas. He well deserves this recognition."

Bryan, a Broadway resident, began his career at Central Carolina in 1992 as a physical education instructor. From 1999-2005, he served as chairman of the Humanities Department and from 2005-2010, as Social Science and Wellness Department chairman. In 2010, he became dean of students, but still teaches physical education.

He is a volunteer coach with local soccer, baseball and basketball organizations. In 2005, he was honored as the Lee County Pop Warner Coach of the Year. Bryan holds bachelor and master's degrees in physical education, exercise and sport science from UNC-Chapel Hill and has taken classes toward a doctorate.

"My recognition is also a testament to all of the great students and players I have had in the past, as well as the coaching mentors that I enjoyed working and learning from in my education career," Bryan said. "My students at CCCC, NYSP participants, my players with the Sanford Sting, Broadway Optimist leagues, Lee County Parks and Recreation, UpWard Basketball, Sanford Area Soccer League, and Carolina Pride Basketball have really blessed me with a great teaching and coaching career. This honor is a testament to those kids."

The instructors from other community colleges recognized as among the top five are: Marian Dillahunt, Vance-Granville; Michelle Barker Garrett, Guilford Tech; William "Marty" Marion, Forsyth Tech; and Walter Rotenberry, Wake Tech.