JONESBORO, Ark. (5/13/24) – The Arkansas State University family mourns the loss of longtime supporters, ambassadors and alumni Steve and Sharon Bryant, who both passed away Sunday, May 12.
The Bryants both earned bachelor's degrees from Arkansas State University, and Steve lettered as a defensive end at A-State under head coaches Bennie Ellender in 1970 and Bill Davidson in 1971-72. He was part of the 1970 squad that went undefeated with an 11-0 record, including a 28-21 victory over Central Missouri in the Pecan Bowl, on its way to a college division national championship.
"Loved and respected by so many, we are saddened by the loss of Steve and Sharon Bryant," said A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton. "First and foremost, they were great people who cared deeply about their family, friends and communities and gave selflessly to help provide opportunities for others. They were truly wonderful ambassadors for Arkansas State University and the Athletics Department, and their impact on our student-athletes and department will always be remembered."
Steve earned his degree in business with a minor in pre-pharmacy, while Sharon graduated with a degree in mathematics and minor in English. The couple were longtime season-ticket holders and generous donors to A-State Athletics, including a major gift in 2009. The name "Steve Bryant Family Head Coach's Suite" is attached to the wall outside the current head football coach's office at the Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center.
The couple's names are also attached to one of the current A-State football lockers, also located in Centennial Bank Stadium's north end zone.
"Steve and Sharon Bryant meant so much to so many people at our university, within our football program and beyond," said A-State head football coach Butch Jones. "The positive influence they had on not only our football organization, but on their communities and those around them is immeasurable. We're beyond thankful that they will always be part of our Red Wolves family, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to their family and friends."
Highly-respected members of the Batesville, Ark., community and cherished members of the Arkansas State University family, they endowed the Steve and Sharon Bryant Pre-Med Scholarship beginning in 2017.
Steve graduated pharmacy school in 1975 and enjoyed a highly successful career as a pharmacist. He owned and operated a retail pharmacy in Batesville, as well as several other pharmacies in North Arkansas. Bryant served on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, and among his many honors were being selected as a Pharmacist of the Year for the state of Arkansas and receiving the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy Dean's Award.
