05/22/2025
We are incredibly proud to shine the spotlight on Marian Bryant, a standout graduate student in Ashland University's Master of Education in Educational Leadership program within the College of Education.
Hailing from the small rural city of Ashtabula, Ohio, Marian’s journey has been one of grit, grace, and unstoppable determination. After earning her bachelor’s and a first master’s in Curriculum & Instruction elsewhere, Marian came to Ashland to pursue educational leadership—and she didn’t stop there. While initially pursuing licensure only, she realized she was just a few classes away from another degree and thought, “Why not?” Now, she’s completing her second master’s with purpose and pride.
Marian completed her leadership preparation through a partnership with Ashland University, Columbus City Schools and the Wallace Foundation. She’s now in a leadership intern program—or as she calls it, “a principal in training.” Learning under the mentorship of the phenomenal Principal Shannon E. Tucker and retired Principal Maria Stockard who are both mentor principals that curate the experiences that Marian is getting a front-row seat to the intricacies of school leadership.
And she’s already making big moves—she passed her principal licensure exam at all three levels in December and is now part of the internal administrative pool for Columbus City Schools. Her next role? Still unfolding. But one thing is clear: Marian is ready.
Before stepping into leadership, Marian spent years teaching Spanish across elementary, middle, and high school levels in both Cleveland and Columbus. Before that, she made an impact in the nonprofit world as the lead educator at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, leading outreach and curriculum programs with passion.
What inspires Marian? Her roots with whom she shares her namesake.. She credits her mother and grandmother—both educators in their own right—as her first role models. Her Mom volunteered to teach English to speakers of other languages at the neighborhood Korean Presbyterian Church. Her grandmother was a neighborhood educator long before titles made it official. As a first-generation college and master’s graduate, Marian plans to become a first-generation doctoral graduate one day.
She’s fueled by purpose and faith. She wants every child she encounters to see possibility, just as her teachers once helped her see it—especially those who didn’t look like her but still inspired her deeply. Now, Marian hopes to help students and colleagues turn big audacious dreams into reality through exposure, experience, access, and opportunity..
A proud Mom herself, Marian is especially grateful for the support of her village—her Mom, siblings AJ and Jazzy, her Dad, mentors, Jaquetta, Tenecia, Andrew, Atia, and her son Isaac, who is always front and center in her heart. Her ability to balance rigorous academics, motherhood, and leadership is a testament to her drive. She maps out family "non-negotiables" and ensures intentional time with her son while still giving 100% to her professional growth.
She lives by this philosophy:
“Do it well, and then do more.”
Or as she puts it professionally:
“If you're entrusted with a space—improve it.”
She’s passionate about middle school education, where she hopes to grow her career as an assistant principal, eventually moving into a principalship. Her long-term dream? Becoming an area superintendent, inspired by leaders like Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent of Columbus City Schools. Marian admires Dr. Chapman for her calm strength, transparency, and fearless advocacy—qualities Marian herself embodies and aspires to deepen.
She’s also grateful for the mentorship of professors like Dr. Copeland, Dr. Short, Dr. Farrenkopf, Professor Klinger and Dr. Kormos at Ashland, who pushed her, inspired her, and helped her grow into the reflective, systems-thinking leader she is today.
Marian encourages all aspiring leaders to:
✅ Prioritize time and map out responsibilities
✅ Build a strong network and learn from others
✅ See challenges from multiple perspectives
✅ Stay open, reflective, and always improving
Whether it’s at home, in the classroom, or leading a school—Marian shows up with heart, intellect, and impact. When she’s not shaping the future of education, you’ll find her enjoying the Columbus Museum of Art, exploring nature, or supporting local festivals and small businesses.
Marian shared, “The source of my inner strength comes from my faith in God. This core allows me to push past the hurdles of life. I can do what needs to be done, where it needs to be done, and how it needs to be done because of a God who sustains, protects, and provides. I will always acknowledge that and keep it at the heart of what I do.” Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:13
🎉 On May 3rd, Marian Bryant crossed the stage at Ashland University, not only as a graduate but as a changemaker, leader, mother, and inspiration.
Please join us in celebrating Marian’s incredible accomplishments and the bright future ahead of her. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll continue to make—wherever she leads next! 💜