 Having developed a reputation as a capable university administrator, he was asked to serve as the interim president of the University of South Florida in Tampa from 1993 to 1994—the third time he served as interim president of a major state university.During his term at South Florida, Bryan took the step of requiring significantly greater financial commitments from the athletic department, boosters and alumni before the university's new South Florida Bulls football program began intercollegiate play.In addition to his work as a professor and university administrator, Bryan also served as the president of the Florida Association of Colleges, as a consultant for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and was the author of numerous books, journal articles and reviews.