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.