Title: Call Me MiSTER Director and Assistant Professor of Education
Company: South Carolina State University
Location: Cayce, South Carolina, United States
Dr. Costonzo Bryant-Martin, Call Me MiSTER Director and Assistant Professor of Education at South Carolina State University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in higher education and program administration.
Dr. Bryant-Martin has found much success throughout a distinguished career in education, marked by a decade of significant service and leadership. Since 2024, he has excelled as the Call Me MiSTER director and assistant professor of education at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In this capacity, Dr. Bryant-Martin teaches courses from Monday through Thursday, manages all program funds and forges partnerships with school districts throughout South Carolina.
Dr. Bryant-Martin’s commitment to excellence was recognized in 2024 when he was celebrated as the Newcomer Faculty Member of the Year at South Carolina State University. Additionally, he was honored as the hardest-working faculty member at the institution, reflecting his tireless dedication to student success and academic advancement.
Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Bryant-Martin was active as the Call Me MiSTER director and instructor of education at South Carolina State University from 2023 to 2024. During this period, he continued to expand the program’s reach and impact, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in foundations and K-12 education.
From 2017 to 2023, Dr. Bryant-Martin contributed significantly to Richland One in West Columbia, South Carolina, where he was recruited as a band director and general music teacher. His students consistently achieved excellent and superior ratings at concert festivals under his guidance. In 2022, he also assumed responsibilities as interim high school band director within the district, demonstrating adaptability and leadership during a pivotal time.
Between 2017 and 2022, Dr. Bryant-Martin worked as assistant band director at W.J. Keenan High School in Richland One, where he returned to work alongside his former principal and teacher — an experience he describes as life-changing due to its personal significance and community impact. In 2020, he contributed as a Praxis II music instructor at South Carolina State University, preparing future educators for certification exams and supporting their professional growth. From 2017 to 2020, he also served as assistant band director in Orangeburg County School District in Orangeburg, South Carolina, further broadening his influence across multiple educational settings.
Dr. Bryant-Martin began his teaching career in Dorchester School District Two in Summerville, South Carolina, as a general music teacher and chorus director from 2016 to 2017. His early years in education were marked by recognition for excellence; he received the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award in 2017 and was later named Teacher of the Year in 2020.
Moreover, Dr. Bryant-Martin has been a member of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE), reflecting his commitment to professional development and advocacy for diversity in academia. Beyond his primary endeavors, he is deeply engaged with civic-minded organizations and initiatives. He provides pro bono music lessons and performances for local communities and serves as a mentor for behaviorally challenged students at a local high school. These efforts underscore his dedication to service and mentorship beyond the classroom.
Dr. Bryant-Martin’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in music teacher education from South Carolina State University in 2016 — a milestone made possible by a four-year grant scholarship secured through the support of a dedicated teacher who recognized his potential despite early academic challenges. He continued his studies with a Master of Education in music teacher education from Anderson University in 2020 before graduating with a Doctor of Education in higher education leadership from North Greenville University in 2024. Dr. Bryant-Martin credits much of his success to the guidance provided by his community — his “village” — and draws inspiration from his mother, a professor of special education at South Carolina State University.
Dr. Bryant-Martin’s achievements have been widely recognized through numerous awards, including selection for the “40 Under 40” Award in 2025, a testament to his significant impact on both education and community development. He has contributed to national discourse on educational leadership as a presenter at the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education National Conference in Washington, D.C., delivering “Changing the Narrative: Be the HBCU Leader Who Makes a Difference.” He takes great pride in his relationship with God and values his role as a devoted husband. Looking toward the future, Dr. Bryant-Martin aims to continue advancing within higher education leadership while fostering organizational growth and supporting success for students, faculty and staff at every level.
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