CACC celebrates Wynn's 50 years in education

Brett Pritchard

Published Monday, March 8, 2010

Have you ever stopped to think how long 50 years really is? Well from an analytical standpoint it is 18,250 days or 438,000 minutes or 26,280,000 seconds.

Wynn’s genuine passion and love, not only for CACC but for education as a whole, are the true reasons behind his long tenure.

Given the number of people that an educator not only comes in contact with on a daily basis, but the direct influence an educator has on a student’s life says a lot about the impact Wynn has had in his career. Just a passing statement from an instructor could directly impact, change course of direction, and or leave a lasting impression, positive or negative, on a student’s life.

Wynn began his career in 1960 at Moss Point High School in Moss Point, Mississippi. There he taught English for six years before moving over to Alabama and to join the faculty of Alex City State Junior College in 1966 as a professor of English. Since then Wynn has been responsible for many firsts at CACC. He created the school yearbook, formerly The Alexian, and the school newspaper, formerly The Alexian Times. He also lobbied to bring World Literature to the college.

“Of all the things I have done or taught while at the college, teaching World Literature has to be my favorite,” Wynn said. “I also enjoyed working on The Alexian because I was around students everyday working with them. Those are some of my fondest memories.”

Wynn also founded the Youth College Program in 1991 and was as two-time recipient of the National Outstanding Educator of America award in 1972 and 1995.

Since 1988, Wynn has often been referred to as the “Dean of Darkness”, not because he is and avid fan of Edgar Allan Poe, although he is, but that is when he assumed the post as head of the Evening Division at CACC.

In addition to these contributions, Wynn also developed and implemented the community service courses that have been taught for several years including Photography, Ball Room Dancing, Karate, and jewelry making just to name a few. He led by example by being a student in a number of community service courses and through his dedication, became a master of calligraphy and culinary arts and there is no doubt he is a master of the latter. (Ask anyone at CACC if you don’t believe me.)

As one of his former English students and now as a colleague I work beside on a daily basis, I again feel I speak on behalf of CACC by saying it is an honor to have John Wynn at CACC.

Alfred Lloyd Tennyson once said, “Tis not too late to seek a newer world.”

Good advice for some but if you are like John Wynn why seek a newer world when the one you live in is perfectly fine. We could all only hope to be this fortunate with our careers. Congratulations from all of us here at CACC.

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