It began more than three decades ago, when Wayne Mixon decided, while on tour with the Army, he wanted to pursue a career outside the military.

He attended both the universities of North and South Carolina for what he said began as an interest in literary arts and ended in a career in teaching history.

Mixon also said he gained interest in law because of the amount of money he could acquire from the profession, although this idea was quickly dismissed.

“I picked up a manual for studying law but decided that I would die of boredom,” he said.

And it was from this realization his journey began.

Without the knowledge of what he wanted to major in, Mixon was soon forced to choose a major. From that he chose literature with a minor in history and realized later on that he enjoyed the field of history more. Thirty-six years later, with 15 of those at Augusta State University, he is now bringing his professional career in History to a close.

“I never grew tired of the classroom; I still enjoy the atmosphere, and the fascinating people,” Mixon said.

When asked what his motivation for teaching is, he said he has no exact theory for his teaching method, just that his excitement for teaching excites his students.

“I never regretted my choice, the pay could have been better with law but you have to enjoy what you do, and I do enjoy teaching,” he said.

Although Mixon said the subject of history can be dull, he did his best to make it come alive for his students.

“I might have lost a few along the way,” Mixon said. “(Although I) encouraged the lost to sit in the back as not to encourage the rest of the class to follow suit.”

Professor of history and chair of the department, Hubert van Tuyll, was one of the many faculty members who worked closely with Mixon and knew him well.

“He was chairperson for over a decade, a wonderful chair, great instructor and relates well with students,” van Tuyll said. “His understanding of Southern history is astonishing and inspiring, and his evaluation numbers are always consistently great and he always has a great sense of humor.”

Mixon said he is looking forward to spending time with his children and two-year-old grandson after he retires in addition to fishing and farming which is what he said he would have done if he hadn’t become a teacher.

Although Mixon has taught for more than 36 years, he said he’s tired and when retires he will be done with teaching for good.

“When you hang it up, hang it up,” he said.

Born and raised in South Carolina, Mixon said his motto to life is the same as that of his home state:

“Dum Spiro Spero” meaning while I breathe I hope. His translation of that quote is “to never give up.”