Soul of 78: Jonathan Mayhall: Psychology Teacher

Words by Terrell Manasco | Images by Ryan McGill

If extraterrestrials ever decide to study our species to understand the definition of “cool,” they can start with Jonathan Mayhall.

The Midfield, Alabama, native, who teaches psychology at Bevill State Community College ranks high on the list of Coolest Humans Ever in the History of Coolness, thanks to his affable, laid-back demeanor and unique wardrobe style: Converse high-top sneakers, jeans, and a black T-shirt typically emblazoned with a cartoonish Frankenstein’s monster or the logo of “psychobilly” band, The Rev. Horton Heat.

On this chilly January morning, the beloved professor relaxes in his office at Wade Hall, recalling when, as a boy, he became interested in psychology after watching The Bob Newhart Show. According to Mayhall, that curiosity blossomed in junior high school under the tutelage of his psychology class teacher, Michael Butler.

“He became a major influence in my life,” Jonathan says. “We’re still in touch.”

While earning a bachelor’s degree at The University of Alabama, Jonathan was introduced to the works of Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Yung. Although his degree was in comparative religious studies, Jonathan decided to pursue psychotherapy.

“Those cosmic tumblers fell into place, and I was able get into that in graduate school,” he says.

After obtaining his master’s degree at UAB, Jonathan taught Behavioral Studies at The University of Alabama and Psychology at Shelton State Community College.

The year 1987 ushered in two major life changes. Jonathan married the love of his life, Diana, and he was offered a teaching position at Walker College. He found teaching psychology “more fun,” so he accepted.

“We've been asking the question forever, ‘Why is this person acting this way?’ That’s the root of psychology,” Jonathan says. “There are widely separated views of psychology with psychoanalysis at one extreme and behaviorism at another. They all agree that behavior equals personality; the idea is, you are what you do. Then the question becomes, ‘Where did those behaviors come from?”

Jonathan is also a gifted poet, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. In 2011, he and Diana formed The Spook House Saints, a band featuring Jonathan on guitar and Diana on upright bass. The Saints’ original music blends old-school rockabilly with a comic horror flavor (think The Munsters). Song titles include ditties like CSI: Mayberry and Rattlesnakes on the Highway.

Sometimes fans ask about the band’s name. “There’s a band we like called the Pine Hill Haints,” Jonathan explains. “I love that name and the idea of ‘haints.”

Jonathan says he still loves what he does and isn’t planning to retire just yet.

“I keep threatening to,” he jokes.

Thirty-plus years later, the Professor of Cool is still having fun. 78