Faculty Focus: William Gay

At Champion Christian College, there’s no doubt that we’re blessed with incredible faculty.  They are not only dedicated to academic excellence but also motivated by genuine concern for their students and a commitment to spiritual principles.  Today, it’s our privilege to introduce you to one of these amazing people:  our history professor, Mr. William Gay.

A native Arkansan, Mr. Gay was born in Stuttgart and raised, for the most part, in eastern Arkansas.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and English from the University of Central Arkansas as well as a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Arkansas.  His favorite areas of history to study are World War II and the American Indian wars of the nineteenth century.  

Mr. Gay has been teaching at the college level since 2011, and he believes it is what God placed him here to do.  He loves teaching and talking about history, and he hopes he can instill his love for the subject in those he teaches.  He especially wants his students to understand that “history is not about memorizing a bunch of dates and events, but about understanding the people who made those events happen.”

Keep reading for an interview with Mr. Gay in which he shares his favorite Scripture, his approach to education, and some personal details!

Briefly describe your introduction to Champion (how you heard about the school, decided to teach, etc.).

I met Pastor Eric at my full-time job when he was running for Justice of the Peace a couple of years ago.  A co-worker introduced me to him, and I told him I would be interested in teaching history at Champion.  Roughly six months later, I received a call from Mrs. Kemp, asking if I would like to teach a class.  I jumped at the opportunity, and now, in my third semester, I could not be happier with my decision.  

What is your favorite part of teaching at Champion?

My favorite part of teaching at Champion is the interaction with the students.  I enjoy attending basketball games and speaking with current and former students who are at the game.  I also teach at National Park College part-time, but the atmosphere at Champion is so much different.  It feels more like a family environment, and I like that.  I feel welcomed and appreciated when I walk onto campus, which makes the small role I play that much better.

Describe your teaching philosophy and style.

History is a subject that students seem to love or hate; there seems to be very little middle ground.  I love history.  I think it is fascinating.  My goal is to show the students that history can be interesting and even fun.  I don’t focus on dates as much as I do the people and events that made history.  I hope to instill some of that love of history in my students.  I try to make the classroom atmosphere laid back and enjoyable.  I don’t take myself too seriously and try to keep things light by throwing in a joke every now and then.

Besides teaching, what are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?

My favorite hobby is writing.  I enjoy the creative process of writing short stories, and I’ve even completed a full-length novel.  My wife and I enjoy camping, fishing, and just about any outdoor activity.

Do you have a favorite quotation or Bible verse to share?

My favorite verse of scripture is Proverbs 18:24, especially the second half of the verse:  “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  This verse has literally saved my life.

As George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.”  We’re so grateful for Mr. Gay’s heart for making the truth known and raising up the next generation of leaders to guide our country in these perilous times.  If see Mr. Gay while on campus or have the blessing of attending his class, don’t forget to show him your appreciation for his dedication!

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