KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Columbia State Community College is mourning the loss of one of its professors.
Clifford Gordon, an associate professor of art, along with three students, were involved in an accident while on a TnCIS study abroad trip in Brazil.
According to Columbia State, Clifford and the students were walking along an oceanside road and stopped to take pictures when a wave hit them. The three students were reported safe and not "seriously injured" from the incident, however, Clifford was swept away.
A search and rescue operation was soon launched by Brazilian authorities.
On Monday morning, Columbia State said they received word that Gordon's body was located and positively identified.
“We were heartbroken to hear of this tragic accident,” Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State Community College president, said. “We are thankful that no students were seriously injured. Our college family mourns the loss of Clifford, who was a talented artist and greatly loved by his students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and students.”
Two of the three students are from Pellissippi State Community College and the third is from Walters State Community College in Morristown, the school said.
The three students and Gordon were among a group of 12 Tennessee community college students on a study abroad program in Brazil. Of the 12, eight are from Pellissippi State, two are from Columbia State, one from Walters State and one from Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, according to Columbia State.
The students are being provided counseling and early transportation home has been arranged, the college said.
According to Columbia State, Clifford began working for the school in 2008 as an adjunct professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences division. In 2013, he began working for the college full-time and taught classes such as Intro. to Visual Arts, Art History, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking and Foundation Studio.
"He was a talented artist and had numerous exhibitions throughout the state," Columbia State said. "Clifford was known for producing amazing works of collage and painting to draw the viewer into a world informed by various ideas, traditions and modern discourses."
Gordon also traveled to Brazil many summers and taught himself how to speak Portuguese, according to Columbia State.
Clifford held an Associate of Science degree in art from Chattanooga State Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in art from Tennessee State University, and a Master of Fine Art degree in studio art from the Memphis College of Art.
"Our entire system joins the Columbia State community in mourning the passing of Professor Gordon and our sincere sympathy goes out to his family. Professor Gordon passed away while doing what he loved – teaching students about the beauty of art," said Flora Tydings in a press release, the Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor.