Robert "Bob" Andrew Brymer shaped the landscape of ethical business practices, hospitality research and student career success, leaving an imprint on the College of Business, the Dedman College of Hospitality and the university.

As the Cecil B. Day Professor of Ethics, Brymer developed a College of Business’ ethics course and the Business Ethics Faculty Roundtable. He integrated ethics into the business and hospitality curricula, initiated by a charitable gift from alumnus Clint Day. In 2007, Brymer and Day launched the Cecil B. Day Ethics Award, which recognizes highly successful, ethical hospitality leaders.

Brymer joined the FSU College of Business faculty in 1981 and retired in 2018 from the Dedman School of Hospitality, serving as Dedman’s director from 2006 to 2008. He is the Cecil B. Day Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Dedman College.

Brymer ranked among the world’s top 20 hospitality researchers and has been lead author on a hospitality textbook for 19 editions, nearly 50 years. He earned the second- and third-highest awards from ICHRIE, an international organization that promotes global education and research of hospitality and tourism. In 1995, he accepted an invitation to participate in the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism.

Guided by his mantra, “Successful careers can change lives forever,” Brymer created professional development and student recruiting events that fulfilled his passion: preparing and connecting students with outstanding hospitality leaders and companies.

He founded and served as director of FSU’s professional golf management program and established the first FSU hospitality international internship program. His collaboration with Walt Disney World created opportunities for international students through the FSU Center for Global Engagement.

Brymer worked for the Hyatt and Westin hotel chains -- experience that enhanced his industry expertise. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality from the University of Denver, an MBA from Michigan State University and a doctorate from the University of Denver. He also served in the Marine Corps, including 13 months in the Vietnam War.