After 25 years of teaching business education, James Mike Gardner is retiring.

Gardner joined Bryan after retiring from Offutt Air Force Base in 2000.

Offutt officials told him, “We have just the place for you right here at Bryan,” Gardner said.

Gardner shared his excitement for his future.

“I’m looking forward to my next adventure,” Gardner said. “I need to travel to see my mother, brother and sisters.”

Business education teacher Thomas Townsend was mentored by Gardner and praised him for his strong work ethic.

“Mr. Gardner, he is very dedicated,” Townsend said. “When he has an assignment, he does it better than most.”

In Gardner’s time, he has been both a boys’ and girls’ tennis coach. Junior tennis player Neveah Futrell expressed how his retirement will affect her.

“It’s hard to hear,” Futrell said. It’s “hard to imagine him not being here and coaching.”

Townsend believes Gardener’s contributions to the school have a lasting impact, touching the lives of everyone he leaves behind.

“I don’t think Bryan is prepared for Mike Gardner,” Townsend said. “He does everything. There is not anything Mike doesn’t do.”

Gardner emphasized the impact of how students are treated.

“Students will remember how they were treated more than what they were taught,” Gardner said. “So, you want to try and treat people well.”

Futrell believes Gardner’s leadership can be noticed in any situation.

“He can be pretty motivational at times,” Futrell said. “He makes a lot of speeches before and after practice.”

Gardner shared his thoughts on his teaching career.

“I am more humble than I am proud,” Gardner said. He is proud to have had “the chance to work with young students.”