By Tim Sproles

The FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice held a welcome reception for Assistant Professor Bryan Holmes on Friday, August 26th^, at Proof Brewing Company. The event hosted by Dean Thomas Blomberg allowed CCCJ graduate students to get to know Professor Holmes.

Not wanting to occupy his time at the reception, I spoke with Professor Holmes before the event and asked him five questions to learn a little more about him. 

QUESTION 1 - Professor Holmes, please tell me about yourself.

My name is Bryan Holmes, and I am from Orlando, Florida. I stayed in Orlando to earn an undergraduate in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida. For my master’s and Ph. D., I chose to head to the Midwest, where I earned both at the University of Cincinnati.

In my spare time, I enjoy watching live sports. I am a Cincinnati Reds fan, but they have become a little hard to watch with their lack of winning. I enjoy watching football, but I usually like to read on the weekends.

I would like, at some point, to learn how to play the guitar. After seeing Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born, I told myself, if he can do it, I can do it. I went out and bought a guitar, but it turns out I cannot do it. I am terrible at playing guitar. I still want to learn how to play it, so I did not waste money buying it.

QUESTION 2 - What is an essential skill that you think everyone should have?

My answer would be the ability to seek an understanding of other opinions. It is not necessarily a skill, but I think it is something we should all concentrate on. Both inside and outside of academia, it is valuable to have a complete understanding of where people come from and why they think that way.

QUESTION 3 - Do you have any tips for success for your students?

In my class, I would say to be sure to take good notes. Stay on top of the materials, and contact me if you have questions. For general advice, I would say to take full advantage of your time here at Florida State University. Seek out your professors’ opinions and stay engaged during in-class discussions. Sometimes the in-class talks can be just as valuable as lectures. 

“I was Seek out your professors' opinions and stay engaged during in-class discussions.  Sometimes the in-class talks can be just as valuable as lectures.”

— Bryan Holmes, Assitant Prrofessor, FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice

QUESTION 4 - Which famous actor would play you in the movie of your life?

Wow, that is a hard one. I am not sure. It would have to be someone balding.

QUESTION 5 - What are you most excited about in life right now?

I am excited to be at the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and getting my research agenda off the ground. It is an exciting time, and I can’t wait to get started.