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.

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.