COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) — Mississippi University for Women (MUW) is mourning the loss of one of its professors and mentors of young people. Barry Smith, 50, died on Friday following an illness. He’s survived by his wife, Melissa Smith, and their son, Matthew Smith. Open this link to read his obituary.He joined the MUW staff in 2006 and chaired the Department of Communication for 12 years. “His absence will be greatly felt, but the relationships he built and the difference he made in the lives of colleagues and an untold number of students leave a lasting legacy at The W. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the great fortune to know him.”Open this link to read the university’s full statement.Melissa Smith worked alongside her husband as a fellow communication professor. Their students affectionately called them “Mr. Doctor Smith” and “Mrs. Doctor Smith.” His students all loved and respected him, and the news of his sudden death has shaken not only the university but also the countless number of his students, including the author of this article. “I first met Dr. Barry Smith in the spring of 2012. I originally began as an education major and ‘shopped’ around for other majors. I scheduled a meeting with Dr. Barry Smith. Besides the ins and outs of earning a degree in communication, he and I also spoke about our love for science fiction movies. When I left his office, I knew that a major in communication was the right path for me.MUW was and remains a unique place. It’s small enough that professors and instructors know their students by name. The Department of Communication is even more unique. When I was there, almost every course I took was with one of the Smiths. They knew my name, my interests, my fandoms and career goals. That’s something you can’t replicate at many universities.”“I wish I had enough words to talk about Dr. Barry’s impact. He always encouraged to go beyond my comfort zone, which played a huge role in my career today. A world without him doesn’t feel real or right. I will seriously always miss him.”(L-R): Dr. Barry Smith, Johanna Ericson, Dr. Melissa Smith(Johanna Ericson)“Dr. Barry Smith created an atmosphere of laughter, curiosity, and intrigue. He was a professor who encouraged his students to push themselves academically, but he was also someone who made you feel as though you had gained a friend. Conversations with Dr. Barry could range from the intricate film style of a new movie to his adamant insistence that Blade Runner was a great movie. I didn’t agree with him at the time, but now I find myself wanting to revisit that discussion. I am deeply grateful for all the advice, encouragement, and support I received from Dr. Barry over the years. His passing leaves a void that will be felt for years to come, but his greater legacy lives on in the lives of those fortunate enough to have called him a mentor and a friend.(L-R): Dr. Barry Smith, Caleb Youngblood(Caleb Youngblood)“When I think back on my time at Mississippi University for Women, I realize how lucky I was to be taught by a professor who genuinely wanted his students to succeed. Even more than that, he encouraged us to be our authentic selves. So many of my favorite memories from MUW include Dr. Barry and his wife, Dr. Melissa, better known as Mrs. Dr. They were the dream team of the Communication Department, the honorary parents of the Comm kids, the ones who kept up with you long after graduation simply because they truly cared.Everyone knew a few things about Dr. Barry. He was laid back. He loved Alabama football. And he adored his family. He was incredibly intelligent, yet never intimidating. He had a quiet patience that gave his students room to grow, to think, and to discover their own voices. He taught me the fundamentals of working a camera, editing, and producing a video project, skills that became the foundation of my career. My favorite class of all time was his Film Directors course, where we studied Christopher Nolan films. That class changed the way I watch movies. It taught me to appreciate the craft, the intention, and the emotion behind every frame.Later in my career, I had the privilege of returning to MUW to interview Dr. Barry for stories. He was always ready with a cup of coffee and a conversation, offering the same warmth and openness that made his classroom feel so inviting. I’m deeply grateful for the hours spent in his classroom, the lessons he taught, and the life advice he sprinkled along the way.Copyright 2026 WTVA. All rights reserved.