We are sad to share that days after dozens of loved ones gathered for his room dedication, Professor John Winkle unexpectedly passed away. We are stunned and mourn alongside his family and all who crossed paths with him. Visitation and services are scheduled for October 26th and 27th. 

Professor Winkle’s impact on honors education at the University of Mississippi is undeniable and, in many ways, unquantifiable. However, we know he advised at least 23 honors theses, served on another 58 honors thesis committees, coordinated the Hon 101/102 faculty development meetings for years, taught Hon 101, 102, and several special topics courses for over 20 years, and served as one of the co-creators of the original honors curriculum.

In the 2017 Honors Report, Professor Winkle penned a story of his SMBHC experiences. He closed by writing:

“I am a lifelong learner, and I hope to convey that joy to my students.  As I reflect on my life, I might have been an architect or an attorney or, in the most secret of childhood fantasies, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox.  No doubt in those professions I would have continued to learn.  But the learning there would arguably have never been as rich and as edifying as that of a university professor.  Each and every Honors College class I teach reminds me that I made the right choice.”

We miss you already, Professor Winkle.

(Photo by Thomas Graning, 2017)