Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 29, 1994                   TAG: 9412290100
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KIMBERLY N. MARTIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VMI'S FEMALE OFFSHOOT LOCATES PERFECT LEADER FOR SCHOOL START-UP

That was no easy feat, considering the search committee's lengthy wish list.

They wanted a teacher; someone who would fit into the Mary Baldwin community; a mentor; a person with an understanding of leadership, government, civil service, and business on a national and international scale; and someone who would be a good representative of the institute, said college spokeswoman Crista Cabe.

"We also wanted someone open and flexible and with an incredible amount of energy, and that's what we found in Brenda Bryant," Cabe said.

Of the four finalists, Bryant, who earned master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California, was the only one to meet all of the criteria, Cabe said - and then some.

"She's even a certified fitness instructor," Cabe said. "She teaches endurance four times a week."

That's an added bonus for the woman who, starting March 1, will head up the program that is designed to mirror the opportunities offered to men at Virginia Military Institute.

Bryant is executive vice president of Creative Associates International Inc., a Washington, D.C., firm dedicated to international development, girls' education and educational equity.

On Aug. 23, Mary Baldwin will welcome its charter institute class. College officials expect to enroll between 10 and 25 women for the initial group, although the program can accommodate up to 50 students.

Under the early admissions program, four class members already have been selected. Students have until Feb. 15 to apply for regular admissions.