FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC’S CAMPBELL FINDS REWARDING CAREER TEACHING BUSINESS CLASSES

Professor Don Campbell will trade the classroom duties to pursue his hobby of  restoring classic cars.

DANVILLE, VA, May 7, 2007 – The framed, neatly typewritten letter gracing the wall of Business Professor Donald L. Campbell’s office at Danville Community College serves as a constant reminder to him of why he chose a career in higher education.

“The letter was given to me by a student I encouraged to stay in college,” says Campbell. “It inspires me to do a better job in the classroom and improve overall student success.”

Campbell, who has taught economics, accounting, business law, business math, real estate, and management classes for 39 years, is retiring on June 1, 2007. He will take with him many fond memories of the lives he has touched.

“I have enjoyed teaching,” he says. “It is very satisfying to see a student progress in your class. There are many instances in which students who are very shy come to class and by the end of the course they have mastered the skills they need for employment.”

Campbell came to the campus in the 1960s as a student at DCC’s predecessor institution – the Danville Branch of Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The Danville native later earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg. He got his first taste of teaching there when he served as a graduate assistant for economics courses.

He credits fellow DCC professors –  Dr. Harold Henry and the late Kenneth Neathery with encouraging him to come to DCC just as it was becoming a part of the Virginia Community College System. Campbell says the two convinced him to apply for a teaching position at DCC soon after he finished college.  Over the years, he has held several positions, including the Assistant Director of Continuing Education, where he helped to expand the college’s credit evening classes and community programming. He also started the first club for business students.

The Business Management program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree designed for persons who seek employment in business immediately upon completion of the program. Campbell has watched the program expand from one specialization (Management) to five: graphic imaging management, automotive management, motorsports management, and marketing. He says there are many job opportunities for students enrolled in the program such as: Management Trainee, Administrative Assistant, Purchasing Agent, Human Resource Supervisor, Production Supervisor, Small Business Owner or Office Manager.

“When I first came to DCC, most of the students were younger, just out of high school,” he says. “Today’s students are a mixture, with many of them older, who have lost their factory jobs. They are returning to school and learning new skills.”

Glancing at the letter on the wall again, Campbell notes that many of his former students are successful business persons.

“It’s really gratifying to see what they have accomplished,” he continues. “Many have been out of school for a long time and it takes a while for them to get back into the academic world. It is good to know they are hired soon after they graduate. There are always good jobs for good students.”

Campbell has been active in many community organizations, including a direct commission in the Finance Corps of the United States Army, serving as president of two different local Sertoma Clubs, past board member of Goodwill Industries, member of the Dan River Bluegrass Association, and member of the Lodge of the Order of Knights of Pythias (Phoenix Lodge #62). He also is a lifetime blood donor, member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, and the Virginia Tech Athletic Association. He also stays active with the ’54 Ford Club of America.

His number one hobby is the restoration of antique cars. He has restored a 1954 Ford Coupe, which he has entered in car shows in several states, and has won first place or show awards. His retirement “project” will be to restore a 1950 Ford Coupe.

“I have always been interested in cars,” Campbell says. “I remember my very first car was a 1951 Ford Coupe which I restored. I am interested in antique cars and enjoy going to the shows.”

His retirement days will also include more time to spend with family – his wife, Betty Jean, three children, and four grandchildren. He and Betty Jean still live in the home they built with the help of friends.

“When I break down time, the hours I spend teaching fly,” explains Campbell. “Weeks fly by, and the older we get, the faster time passes. I tried to make the best use of my time teaching and hope to use time wisely in retirement. I expect to travel and do some fishing, too.”

His fondness for teaching and working at DCC is evident as he reflects on his 39 years of service to DCC and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
 

“DCC is a good place to work. It’s been fun. I have had a good time,” Campbell says. “Just when I think things are hopeless, I will hear from a former student who will let me know how much they appreciate what I do.  Thank you letters make a difference.”