Professor Bloodworth: a teacher of students

By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief

William Bloodworth Jr. can still recall the names and faces of each of his students from his first job as a public school teacher in the 1960s. Bloodworth just turned 79, but he does not seem to have lost his passion for teaching. 

Although Bloodworth has had the opportunity to teach a wide variety of courses, including American folklore, history and literature, he recalled English composition and communications as the most important topics he teaches. 

“I teach students, not subjects. I always keep that in mind,” Bloodworth said. 

His office in Allgood Hall houses memorabilia throughout his career, even a plate signed by a class of students from decades earlier. This year, that class is having its 50th high school reunion, which Bloodworth was invited to attend. 

Bloodworth said he had a teacher who had profound influence on him as a child. This encouraged him to pursue teaching, a profession he grew to love. He began teaching at the age of 21 in a small Texas town and realized that the students resonated with him. 

“The students liked me. I realized I really liked teaching and I learned a lot,” he said. “I didn’t start becoming a good learner until I became a teacher.” 

He credited his beginnings at that school with helping him to continue teaching as a profession. 

“I think it was this experience, starting out with these students when I was 21 years old…that explains why at 79, I’m still teaching,” he said. 

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Bloodworth obtained his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate from Texas colleges, majoring in English education, English and American Civilization. He took on jobs as a professor, provost, chairperson and vice chancellor between multiple colleges before becoming president of Augusta College, which later became Augusta State University from 1993 to 2012. 

While he retired from his job as president in 2012, Bloodworth maintained his love of teaching and currently teaches a class in American History. 

“I like teaching history now because there are so many interesting YouTube videos that I can pull up, and it brings the subject more to life,” he said. 

Bloodworth likes that his class can visualize moments in history because of the videos. 

“The students respond to me, and I respond to them. Students actually learn some things about their lives and their country that mean something to them,” he said. 

He explained that he has had to slightly condense more topics into shortened class times during the pandemic, which he does not particularly like. However, Bloodworth encourages students to read the material and notes used for quizzes during class. 

“I think lecturing alone is not the best way for students to learn…I rely an awful lot on reading,” he said. 

Bloodworth is also a published author of two books. He has written various chapters and articles about American history ranging from muckraker Upton Sinclair to Native Americans. 

A rather humble man, husband, father and grandfather, Bloodworth explained that he enjoys reading and staying active in his spare time. 

“I like to read a lot,” he said. “I exercise a lot, even at my age.” 

Bloodworth spoke of his time in Augusta and what has drawn him stay here. 

“I felt welcomed to this community. I like the diversity in the community. I responded to it partly because it responded to me,” Bloodworth said. “It made me feel good about being here. It felt like a good place.” 

In reflecting about his time as president at Augusta and even now as a professor, Bloodworth once again shared the importance of student-centered learning. 

“I realized this was a place that paid a lot of attention to the students,” he said. “I like knowing and remembering things about students – because I teach students.”

At top of page, Bloodworth showcases memorable moments in American history to his class. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.