Honorary Alumna of the Year

Biography

Janet Piatt first came to Bryan College in the summer of 1992 through her connection with basketball coach Morris Michalski. Just one week after her wedding, she and her husband, John ‘94, arrived in Dayton, where Janet stepped into the role of Registrar, following in the footsteps of Barbara (Howard) Prosser ’73. John enrolled as a transfer student and, over the next two years, completed his bachelor’s degree in Bible under the mentorship of professors like Dr. Gary Phillips ’91H. During that time, both Janet and John developed a deep love for Bryan College and the Rhea County community.

Although the Piatt family originally planned to be at Bryan for only two years, leaving proved difficult. When John enrolled in seminary, they moved to Illinois, where he attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. During their seven years there, they welcomed their children, John ’20 and Sarah, and formed lasting friendships, including a special connection with Ken ’89 and Amy (Ezell) Cleaver ’90. Yet Bryan remained close to their hearts.

In the spring of 2001, Bryan College reached out unexpectedly to invite Janet to return as Registrar, as Dr. Ron Petitte was moving into a faculty role. Though she never anticipated such an opportunity, Janet and her family soon returned to campus during a season marked by the Mercer Hall fire and the challenges of transitioning offices from temporary trailers back into the renovated building. Despite the daunting task of restoring records and reestablishing order, Janet faithfully led the effort alongside her trusted colleague, Associate Registrar Brenda Wooten ’98H, whose steadfast service blessed the college for many years.

Over the course of more than three decades, Janet has served Bryan College with dedication and grace. To her, Bryan has been far more than a workplace—it has been a community of colleagues, friends, and students who have walked alongside her family in times of joy, trial, and heartache. Through it all, she has seen God’s faithful provision and guidance, and she remains deeply grateful for the place Bryan College holds in her life.