Remembering Cowboy Mike: AU hosts memorial service

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Augusta University hosted a memorial service for the late history professor also known as Cowboy Mike Searles on Friday.

Michael Searles retired from Augusta University in 2012 but stayed as an emeritus faculty member, and died back in June.

“He was grace, humor, wisdom, personified. That’s a lot, but he was a generous person. He had a big laugh and could make you think,” said Ruth McClelland, Chair of the Department of History, Anthropology, and Philosophy.

He was known for his dedication of educating students about the western experiences of Black cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers.

The community came together at the Maxwell Theatre on the Summerville Campus from 2 to 4 p.m. to honor and celebrate the life of the beloved Searles.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.