By Margaret Schell 

W hen Dr. James “Jim” Winchester arrived as a professor at Georgia College & State University 25 years ago, a philosophy major didn’t exist; however, soon after he began teaching, Winchester started the program and served as coordinator. Now on the eve of his retirement, Winchester is ensuring the future of the program. 

Winchester will help students in financial need through the Dr. Jim Winchester Endowed Scholarship for Philosophy.  Dr. John Sallstrom created the scholarship, providing seed funds, for individuals who want to continue to support Winchester’s impact and legacy. 

“My hope is for students who receive my scholarship to become successful and that they'll remember it's important to give back,” Winchester said. 

Fostering personal connection through conversation 

For Winchester, teaching has always been about a dialogue with his students. 

“We have smart, interesting students at Georgia College. “The best part of teaching is finding challenging, interesting and important texts to share with my students,” Winchester said. “I enjoy listening what they have to say about them.” 

All his years in teaching philosophy inspired students to think critically about the world. 

“I'm learning with my students, and we have good intellectual exchange about topics important to their lives,” Winchester said. “I’ve learned the importance of listening from my students. My job is to listen to what they're saying and respond the best I can.” 

Winchester feels that mentoring has been an important part of his mission. 

“If I show them an opportunity, they'll run with it,” he said. “Those are the students I want to help along because they're committed to learning. I just guide them a bit.” 

Three of his former students are currently pursuing doctoral degrees in philosophy in some of the most prestigious Ph.D. programs in the world. Although he wrote letters of recommendation to help his students get into these universities, Winchester feels it’s more than that. He believes focusing on the students’ writing skills makes all the difference for their post-grad success. 

“It’s important to give them many writing courses and provide feedback, because their writing will determine their success,” he said.  

Winchester refers to an expression of Confucius. “If I show a student one corner, I want them to find the other three,” he said. He keeps in touch with many of his former students. 

Wade Smith (’22) who earned his Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies and philosophy, recently became a licensed attorney. 

“He returned to Georgia College to offer advice to our students at our graduation celebration,” Winchester said. 

Another former philosophy student, Zack Brown (’14), became a successful private contractor, working with the military.  

“These professionals are examples that with philosophy, you learn critical thinking skills which can be useful in business, law, securing a Ph.D. and more,” Winchester said. 

What’s next for Winchester? He plans to travel both domestically and abroad. Dr. Sunita Manian, chair of philosophy, religion and liberal studies at GCSU, is leading a “Paris in the World” study abroad program in May and June. Winchester will help with that program, remaining an active Georgia College faculty member through July. Then, it’s off to Sicily, where his retirement journey begins. Buona fortuna, Dr. Winchester!

Header Images: Dr. Jim Winchester speaks with a student on the front porch of Terrell Hall. (Photo: Anna Gay Leavitt) Dr. Winchester will retire this summer, following a student abroad program in Paris. (Photo: Gil Pound)