By: Ebonee Burrell | Editor in Chief
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, police responded to a homicide in West Mobile at approximately 3:35 p.m. According to the Mobile Police Department, Matthew Wiser, professor at South Alabama, was found dead inside the home with a gunshot wound through his body.
Wiser, 39, was an economics professor at South and was shot and killed inside his home and was discovered during a welfare check. He has been a faculty member since 2014.
The University of South Alabama confirmed the death and released the following statement Thursday morning:
“On Wednesday, November 20, University of South Alabama Police conducted a welfare check on Dr. Matthew Wiser, an assistant professor of economics and finance at USA’s Mitchell College of Business, after concerns were expressed by co-workers. Upon arriving at Dr. Wiser’s residence, USA Police entered and found a body. USA Police secured the area and notified the Mobile Police Department, who arrived and began an investigation. Mobile PD has confirmed that the deceased is Dr. Wiser.”
Wiser will be remembered as the professor that students could always depend on for anything. He is known for going above and beyond to help students in any way no matter the situation.
“He was very quiet until you got to know him and then he would come out of his shell and would tell you all kind of things, he was a very funny man, a very intelligent man, and just wonderful to be around,” stated Kelly Woodford, Associate Dean and Professor of Management for the Mitchell College of Business. “It has been very hard on us, we are all shocked and very sad something like that has happened to him.”
Students and faculty are grieving the loss of their friend known as Dr. Wiser. It is said to believe that his students from his Tuesday evening class on Nov. 19 were the last to see him alive.
Edward Williams, senior electrical engineer major, shared what he remembered about Wiser when we took his class in 2016.
“His class was enjoyable because he didn’t mind helping his students understand what he was teaching. Even though I was in such a big class, he seemed to always make time for everyone,” Williams said. “I only had Dr. Wiser for one course, but his impact as a teacher has always stuck with me throughout my college career.”
Counseling services are being offered to students, faculty, and staff and to anyone who needs it to grieve over the loss of their friend Dr. Wiser.
Jag Media 