Faculty Spotlight: James Martin

James Martin, Professor of History,  has taught at Campbell University for 27 years, and taught at James Kenan High School (Duplin County, NC) for five years before arriving at Campbell in 1991. His areas of expertise include Western Civilization, Area Studies and Social Studies Teaching Methods.

Tell us about your teaching philosophy/style.

I employ the Socratic method of teaching.  I want students to express their opinions.

How have your past experiences influenced your teaching?

I was a teacher and coach at James Kenan High School in Duplin County, NC.  Many Campbell students have attended small rural high schools similar to James Kenan, so this made my transition from high school to college teaching fairly seamless.  My students and I frequently know the same people.

What makes the Campbell experience unique?

The faculty and students care for each other.  People don’t come to Campbell for self-aggrandizement.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering finishing their degree or starting for the first time as an adult?

Follow your passions. I have wanted to teach since I was nineteen.  Social studies been my passion since I was five. When I was younger, I made a lot  of sacrifices in order to complete my degrees. I am now 64 and enjoy a level of job satisfaction that many in my age bracket do not.

What is your favorite book to recommend to students?

Will and Ariel Durant, The Lessons of History.