Hamlet—Campbell University President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace was honored as a distinguished native of Richmond County at a reception hosted by the Richmond County Schools on Tuesday, May 4. Wallace, who is from Rockingham, was one of four Richmond County natives who received the honor. Other honorees included the interim Chancellor for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Dr. Charles Jenkins; Dr. Jerry McGee, president of Wingate University; and Dr. Dale McInnis, president of Richmond Community College.
Dr. George Norris, superintendent of the Richmond County Schools, was pleased with the honorees’ performance. “They have all had a profound impact on education,” he said. “Richmond County Schools is likely the only school system in the state to have four top-ranking college officials serving at the same time.”
Wallace has served as president of Campbell University since 2003. After graduating from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and government, Wallace went on to receive a master’s degree in sociology and a doctorate in education from North Carolina State University. He earned his basic theological and Master of Theology degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Wallace served as pastor of Elizabethtown Baptist Church from 1960-75. However, his desire to pursue a career in education led him to Campbell University in 1970 by way of a teaching fellowship at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and teaching position at Southeastern Community College in Whiteville.
At Campbell, Wallace worked his way up from adjunct professor of sociology to Tyner Chair of Religion and Sociology and chairman of the Department of Religion and Philosophy by 1981. From 1981-1984, he served as Director of Graduate Studies and Dean of the University. Wallace was named vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost in 1985. In 2003, he became the fourth president of Campbell University, presiding over a number of changes to the university campus and curriculum since that time. Among them is a new athletic and convocation complex, the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center; after a 50-year absence, the establishment of a Fighting Camels football program; and the addition of several new degree programs, including a Physician Assistant program which will begin this fall.
Photo Copy: Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, president of Campbell University
Bulletin: 16512
Date: May/6/10