Senior Caison Rivera described Perry as both brilliant and personable. "He was a joy to be around. Like I said, very brilliant guy," he said.
For many students, the reality of the loss has not fully settled in. "I don't think it's fully hitting me yet," Rivera said. "I think only when I'm approaching that classroom on Tuesday morning and it's empty. I think only then will the gravity of this loss hit me."
Rivera said Perry played an important role in his academic experience. "I had him for communication, media theory and qualitative research methods, so oftentimes we'd have to delve into theoretical frameworks and whatnot, and he would dissect them in such exhaustive detail," he said. "Like, it's a lot to keep up with. But at the same time, he'd also apply it in discourse with us. He'd make it a conversation, and he'd apply it to our regular lives so that we could better understand it."
Investigators told ABC11 that Perry had been driving north on NC 87 when his vehicle crossed the centerline, ran off the roadway to the left, struck a ditch and overturned. Perry was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said he may have swerved to avoid a dead coyote and lost control.
With grief affecting much of the campus, Methodist University is encouraging students and staff to seek support.
"We have to understand that professors don't only academically support students, but sometimes they personally support students," said Demetria Cheri Murphy, a clinical social worker. "I know we go to our professors sometimes for personal advice, just personal things that may be going on in our lives."
For Rivera, the connection he shared with Perry extended beyond the classroom. "I always thought of him as just Neil, you know," he said. "I never called them that because of formalities and whatnot. But he was so fun to talk to."
Methodist University says mental health professionals remain available to support students and staff as they cope with the losses.