Dr. Ralph J. Bryson was a military veteran of WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge that greatly aided the liberation of Southern France. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Degrees from the University of Cincinnati, and Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Ohio University.

Dr Bryson began his career in education as a middle school English teacher in North Carolina, Then, he taught at Southern University and at Miles College as a professor of English literature. In 1953, Dr. Bryson embarked on a 59-year tenure at ASU as a professor of English and African American Literature, culminating with his appointment as the Department Chairman before retiring in 2012. Afterwards, he was honored as Professor of Emeritus and continued to serve at ASU for several years.

Dr. Ralph J. Bryson

John J. Ivery was born in Tuscaloosa, AL and attended local public schools, graduating in 1955 from Druid High School. Afterwards, he attended Alabama State College (now Alabama State University (ASU)) in Montgomery, AL and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics and a minor in music. As a student, he was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated via the Beta Zeta Chapter on May 6, 1957. In 1963, he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Mathematics from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.

In 1959, John began his professional career as a teacher of mathematics and assistant band director at Carver High School in Montgomery, AL and later served as the band director at Dunbar High School in Ramer, AL. In 1963, he joined the mathematics faculty at ASU where he remained until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure, he held several positions, to include Director of the Computer Center, Mathematics and Science Department Chair, Athletics Department Compliance Officer and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society Faculty Advisor. As a member of the ASU Faculty Senate, he served as Senator, Parliamentarian, Faculty Affairs Committee Chair, and Faculty Senate Chair.

John J. Ivery, Sr.

The Bryson-Ivery Academic Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors and undergraduate students with an expressed interest in pursuing a higher education at Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL.

The students eligible for assistance must be graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students attending Alabama State University.  Consideration will be given to academic achievement, financial need and the student’s community service record.

Scholarships will be awarded annually in May and disbursed to Alabama State University to offset students’ academic costs by September 30 of each calendar year.

1. Applicant must attend and/or be enrolled as a full-time student (minimal of 12 academic course hours) at Alabama State University at the start of the academic year starting in the month of August. NON-TRANSFERABLE.
2. Applicant must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA Scale at time of application submission.
3. Applicant must submit an official academic transcript as supporting documentation.
4. Applicant must provide their official score of the American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Applicants already enrolled/attending at Alabama State University are exempted from this requirement.
5. Applicant must provide two recommendation letters from their school academic counselor/advisor and instructors. Special Note: Recommendation letters are prohibited from family members and/or relatives.  
6. Applicant must provide a wallet-size self-photo in business attire.
7. Applicant must write a one-page essay (double spaced) on a pre-selected topic listed in the application.
8. Application and all supporting documentation must be USPS Postmarked by 11:59 pm (Central Standard Time)
   Beginning January 1, 2025 – Friday, May 2, 2025. Late applications will NOT be accepted; NO EXCEPTIONS!

Mailing Address: 
          The Bryson-Ivery Academic Scholarship Committee
                    P.O. Box 242831
                    Montgomery, AL 36117

The scholarship award amounts will be based on funds from donors and fundraisers in support of the annual scholarship award cycle.