Remembering Mark Gunn
Mark Gunn, the epitome of a gentleman and scholar, is remembered for his teachings and character while leaving a legacy of inspiration, wisdom, and kindness.
Gunn, age 62, of Meridian, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Sherry.
An instructor of American history, world civilization, and geography at MCC for more than two decades, Gunn wasn't just an exceptional educator; he was a kind and caring soul who touched the lives of his colleagues, students, and everyone he encountered.
Current and former students shared their experiences in Gunn's classroom, remembering their respect for him. "I just took his summer course this summer, and he was such a great teacher; very kind," wrote Vanessa Phillips. Another former student, Laura Lynn Reece, said Gunn was "an amazing history instructor, but he was such a caring person." Reece recalled a day in Gunn's class when he was lecturing. "He said, 'If it’s not Baroque, don't fix it!’ Then he laughed at himself for like a minute. That was 20 years ago, and I still remember it like it was yesterday," she added.
Colleagues, too, admired Gunn. "Mark was the kindest person you would ever meet," wrote former MCC instructor Diane Sollie. "Such a calm demeanor, and everyone loved to be around Mark,” she added.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Thompson described Gunn as kind and genuine. “Mark was a dedicated historian and instructor who was admired and appreciated by his students. His impact on the folks at MCC, however, goes far beyond the classroom. He was the type of person we should all desire to emulate,” Thompson said.
“Mr. Gunn was here when I started in 2002, just a few doors down from my office,” said Dr. Chad Graham, dean of University Transfer. “He immediately became a mentor to me, but over time, he became so much more.”
Gunn, Dr. Graham said, was a colleague, golfing partner and friend. “He was one of the finest men I have known. This is truly a loss to our MCC family – far beyond the classroom and this campus.”
In addition to being a strong teacher, Gunn was passionate about the past. “I'm blessed to be a working historian," he said in an interview, noting that he wasn't a writing historian but rather a teaching one. "I get the opportunity to teach and the opportunity to ‘dig up' new materials."
When Gunn was awarded the MCC Humanities Professor of the Year Award in October 2005, he presented a lecture about the common man in his address, "Lost Voices: Past and Present Primary Research." He said, "In my experience in history, the richest histories not only rely on the famous but rely on those who are hard to discover – the common man."
Most of us don't leave a paper trail in our lives, Gunn explained, and it's especially true of the ordinary person who lived centuries ago. "People don't ever really change; the same things that drove man thousands of years ago drive us today," he said.
Dedicating his life to education, Gunn held an associate degree from East Central Community College and a bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. After working at the Piney Woods School and R.H. Watkins High School, he came to MCC in 1999 to teach history and geography. At MCC, he was a 2002 Crooks Chair holder and a recipient of the Dr. Clarence Roberts Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 2007.
Gunn’s influence goes beyond the classroom, touching the lives of colleagues and students in meaningful ways.
During this challenging time, counseling services are available at Weems Community Mental Health Center for MCC faculty, staff, and students. You need only to show your I.D. badge.