March 26, 2025
Dr. David Bunch, Instructor of Psychology, has been named Pearl River Community College’s Humanities Instructor of the Year for 2025. Bunch delivered his presentation “Critical Core – Better Reality Through Fantasy” at the Forrest County Campus to an audience of faculty, staff, and students. The presentation also served as a session of the Honors Lecture “Loving to Tell the Tale: Stories and the Ways We Tell Them” Series.
Dr. Bunch began his academic journey at PRCC as an Adult Education student, earning his GED before enlisting in the United States Army. After a tour of duty in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he returned to Sumrall and began working on his associate of arts degree at the Forrest County Campus. Bunch then transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology. During his time at PRCC, he has been recognized with both the English Award and the Citizenship Award.
“Dr. Bunch brings a rare combination of academic and military experience to the classroom, where he skillfully incorporates narrative to illustrate the concepts he teaches his students, said Dean of Academic Instruction Dr. Greg Underwood. “In addition, as a former student of PRCC as well, he gets it—he knows how to weave the theoretical and the practical to maximize our students’ opportunities for success.”
Bunch’s lifelong passion for fantasy and science fiction has led to his belief that escapism can be a healthy indulgence. He enjoys fantasy novels, sci-fi films, and role-playing games—though his schedule rarely allows time for gaming. His lecture explored the therapeutic benefits of Dungeons & Dragons, highlighting its role in creativity, problem-solving, and social development.
“Role-playing games naturally encourage social interaction, requiring players to navigate imaginary worlds, collaborate, and problem-solve, all while practicing real-life social skills,” said Bunch. “Ultimately, my goal is to highlight how we can use storytelling and role-playing to create a better reality for ourselves and others. I encourage you to break free from the limitations of reality—get out there and start playing.”
Bunch is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Sarah, who has been by his side since high school, have shared 25 years of marriage and are raising six children together—three sons and three daughters.
The Humanities Teaching Award is presented annually to an outstanding humanities faculty member at each higher education institution in Mississippi. The HTA presentation is a requirement of accepting the award. The HTA awardees will be recognized at the 2025 Public Humanities Awards in Jackson on March 28, 2025.
Molly McMillan of the Mississippi Humanities Council presented Bunch with his award.
ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI HUMANITIES COUNCIL
The Mississippi Humanities Council is a private nonprofit corporation primarily funded by Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide public programs in traditional liberal arts disciplines to serve nonprofit groups in Mississippi. The humanities are the study of history, literature, religion, languages, philosophy, and culture.
They create opportunities for Mississippians to learn about themselves and the larger world and enrich communities through civil conversations about our history and culture.
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Kaylee Fortenberry.
