Wow, that flew by …
President’s Blog | Campbell Forward
July marks one year in office for Campbell’s sixth president
July 2026 is a big month for celebrating milestones. It is, after all, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our country. We owe so much to those who gathered in Philadelphia during those momentous days. We celebrate the boldness of those 56 delegates who signed a 1,320-word document that invoked a “firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence” to launch the American journey. That journey has, of course, had many twists and turns…numerous peaks and valleys…but we are privileged and blessed here in The Creek to be able to live out our own small version of the American dream.
A 250th anniversary is a massive achievement. Me? Well, I’m just celebrating my first year leading one of America’s great institutions of higher education. Save for sharing the same month, the two anniversaries are not comparable. I know that. But in the little microcosm that is my life, completing a year as Campbell University’s sixth president means a lot…at least to me.
What a year it has been. I have met so many good people…people who love Campbell…people who pour their energy and passion into Campbell’s mission. We have harnessed the collective ideas and energies of Campbell’s core constituents to craft a five-year Strategic Plan. Through that plan we have set our sights on growing enrollments, on strengthening our financial health, on impacting our broader community and region, and on clarifying our institutional identity.
And guess what? We’re already making positive inroads. We believe, most importantly, that our entering class of freshmen and new transfer students this Fall will be larger than the class that entered in 2025. If we land anywhere north of 2025, that will be a huge win in this wildly competitive environment. If we land north of 2025, then we will generate new tuition revenue that will enhance our financial health. If we land north of 2025, then we will celebrate (briefly) and then get busy recruiting the next class of new Camels. It takes the proverbial village to attract and retain college students these days, and I’m grateful to everyone across our campus who has their sleeves rolled up trying to get more and more people to choose Campbell.
As I reflect on Year 1 at Campbell, there are so many other wins—large and small—that are worth celebrating:
I celebrate the more than 1,000 students who earned their Campbell degrees this year.
I celebrate Campbell Giving Day, which raised $1.2M from a record 2,381 alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff donors.
I celebrate all the “stuff” we fixed—four new roofs that don’t leak; a digital welcome sign at the Convocation Center that now actually welcomes us to campus; new HVAC units, furniture, and instructional technology in our residence halls and classrooms; enhanced campus security equipment; and, yes, some functional fountains.
I celebrate finding the funds to increase Campbell’s retirement match to 5% for our faculty and staff.
I celebrate Campbell being named a “Best for Vets” institution, and I’m grateful that we began new traditions with recognition ceremonies at Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
I celebrate gathering no fewer than 11 times with colleagues at prayer breakfasts, each time thanking God for the blessings He bestows upon a special place called Campbell.
I celebrate all the chances we’ve had during the year to say “Thank You” to Campbell’s employees, whether with the new Cherished Camel Award, the new President’s Early Career Award, or through service awards.
I celebrate the inspirational teaching and impactful scholarship of our faculty. I celebrate the ambition and the achievements of our students. And I celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff who ensure that Campbell runs smoothly each day.
I celebrate the tenacity of our Fighting Camel student-athletes…more than 500 who are getting the job done in the classroom and on the fields of competition.
All told, I simply celebrate the privilege and pleasure of working as part of the Campbell family.
Yes, the “To Do” list is long—remarkably long—for Year 2. But, oh what a fun, fast, and rewarding first year at Campbell it has been for me and for Kim.
Enjoy your July, Camels!!
Dr. William M. Downs
President