The Sunday Story | Philosophy Professor Meadors to Retire
Meadors spearheaded the university's philosophy program, led by his passion for enriching the next generation.
Throughout several decades, Dr. John Meadors has inspired hundreds of Mississippi College students in the fields of philosophy, ethics, and Christian studies. After more than 30 years at the university and 6 years as the chair of the MC Department of English & Philosophy, Meadors is retiring.
Meadors came to Mississippi College in 1992 to teach in the school of Christian Studies, where he remained for over two decades. In 2019, he was chosen as the chair of the newly merged department of English and Philosophy.
The professor graduated from the University of Wake Forest with a degree in English. Seeking higher theological education, Meadors attended the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. It was here that the professor met his wife, Susan.
While pursuing his MDiv (Master of Divinity), Meadors attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he then completed his PhD in Philosophy of Religion. It was at this time that Susan also completed her MDiv at the seminary. The couple then moved to Clinton as Meadors began his position at MC.
Among several other recognitions throughout his tenure, Meadors was awarded MC’s Distinguished Professor of the Year in 1999. When Meadors filled the vacant chair position in the department of English and Philosophy, he was highly praised by other faculty members, who described him as excellent professor with a positive Christian demeanor.
In his time leading the department, Meadors worked to develop several new classes in the English and philosophy department. “I've been able to focus a lot more on literature as a source of philosophy,” Meadors said. “So I've had some unique classes that have been created over here that I might not have been able to teach in the Department of Christian Studies, and that's been a lot of fun.” The creation of the three classes — Philosophy of Science, Philosophy in Literature, and Cultural Apologetics — demonstrates the professor’s impact on the department.
“[Students are] exploring the ways that literature, inclusive of novels, poems, plays, all that kind of stuff, can generate philosophical thinking,” Meadors said. “That's been fun, and it's something that is very interesting to me.”
Meadors gives high praise to his colleagues and students in both departments he has worked in. “I had great colleagues in Christian Studies, close friends, great students…and I've had the same experience [in the Department of English and Philosophy],” he said. “It's been fantastic. I think the world of my colleagues in both departments.” The professor stated that he often learns from his students and describes them as bright, capable, and intellectual. He also explained how the overall kindness and engagement shown by MC students have made his time enjoyable.
When asked about his favorite pieces of literature, Meadors was quick to name Wendell Berry as one of his favorite authors. The professor enjoys Berry’s poetry and short stories, his favorite novel is Jayber Crow.
As the department chair transitions out of his role, he provided a Wendell Berry quote as a parting word of wisdom: Such joy as there is is available here. “I really believe that,” Meadors said. “I mean, I think in the modern world we're compelled to look for a new place, to look for something better, to always be projecting ourselves into the future. And I think that causes us to overlook the profound sources of joy and happiness that are right here.”
Meadors and his wife attend Northside Baptist Church, where they have been heavily involved since moving to Clinton in the 1990s. While the professor and his wife plan to remain local to Clinton for the time being, Dr. Meadors shared a passion he hopes to pursue in some form.
“I haven't found a niche yet, but I would like to find some kind of volunteer opportunity I can do to help immigrants in the United States with any kind of problems that they have, legal problems, housing,” Meadors said. “Just to make them feel as welcome as possible, and to show that the Christian church still has compassion, still cares about them, you know, to be hospitable. So I'm looking for a place that I can do that.
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