If you have ever witnessed an organization, a family, a community, fall to its knees in pain, you have experienced the University of North Alabama on October 19, 2016. News quickly spread across campus regarding the death of one beloved professor, Jason Flynn.
Jason Flynn was most affectionately known as “Flynn,” and occasionally, “Flynn Dog.” He was popular for his habit of cancelling Friday classes and deplorable sense of humor. He was admired for his craft in film, and adored for his lighthearted guidance of his students.
I never had the pleasure of taking a course under his instruction. For that, I consider myself highly unlucky. However, as Flynn had just served as Interim Department Chair for the Department of Communications and director of the Film and Digital Media program at UNA, he was loved by many.
Any organization officer, communications student and faculty/staff member can tell you that he has made their day, at one point or other. He could tease in the harshest of ways, and still make you recognize your own self worth. Many student organization sponsored events would not have been possible without Flynn's generosity and help. Regardless of the day or hour, he was always willing to lend a hand. I can personally attest to his selflessness, as he always made personal donations to any fundraisers my organizations held.
Film and Digital Media graduate Zach Swiatocha reports that when he once scrambled for a place to shoot his film project, Flynn was courteous to open his home to the students in need. Graduate Kennedy Pope also received the mentorship of Flynn, who even guest starred in one of his short films.
Flynn had an untraditional way of looking at most things. He was a family man, a dedicated advisor to university students, and an absolute "character," as they say.
He cancelled classes when he felt students deserved a break or needed room for creative reflection versus classroom structure. At times, he could be harsh when critiquing his students' work. You see, Flynn recognized something many educators spend their lives figuring out: “education” means something different to every learner. He had a knack for understanding and strengthening students’ unique talents and needs. His motive as a professor was a pure and genuine desire to help his students succeed and fulfill their purpose in this world.
Flynn suffered this world with strength and dignity. He taught us that there's no "right" way to be a human. He served this campus as he served his life’s purpose: brilliantly. In the wake of recent events, students are encouraged to pray and send positive thoughts to the family, friends, and heartbroken. If Jason Flynn is somewhere, receiving this love and regret from us all, we pray that he understands, and understood how grateful we each are to have known him. He was a true treasure to the university and his legacy lives on in each of us.
