Mac McLaurin

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In my first semester in college (as best as I recall), I took American Government 101. My teacher, Mr. McLaurin, asked us to define democracy. I raised my hand, and he called on me. I said, “It’s government for, by, and of the people.” Much to my surprise, Mr. McLaurin gave a mild chuckle and said, “That’s the high school definition of democracy.” He went on to give a much more elaborate definition. I knew right then that college was going to be more than an extension of high school (from which I had graduated less than a month earlier).

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Mr. McLaurin went on to become my favorite teacher in college. I was in several of his classes and would have been in more if he had taught them. Possessing only a master’s degree, though, he was limited to teaching lower-level courses. Yes, I finished in political science.

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One summer, I was visiting my cousin in another college town, where her family lived. We were walking on campus one evening when we came upon Mr. McLaurin. He was surprised to see me on that campus. I explained that my cousin went to school there. He explained that he was working on coursework for his doctoral degree. He completed his coursework, but he did not write his dissertation or receive his terminal degree. Instead, he met and married the love of his life, Barbara; became a father; bought a house; and generally changed the direction of his life – as we all do at a certain point.

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It wasn’t long before the university decreed that all professors must possess a terminal degree. As such, he became city administrator for the town where the college was located. There, he served for many years, although he did teach again through the university extension service. Then, he helped communities learn American government as it applied to them.

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Mr. McLaurin passed away three years ago. For reasons I do not understand, I find myself thinking about him quite often these days. Do you think he’s urging me from on high to be active in the No Kings movement? I wouldn’t put it past him.

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