Seven-city welcome tour begins Sept. 16 in Charlotte
Register to attend an upcoming Campbell Forward event
Dr. William Downs has spent his first two months as president of Campbell University getting to know its students, faculty and staff and the campus as a whole. On Sept. 16, he’ll look to connect with alumni and friends of the university in cities across the state.
Those with an interest in the future of Campbell University are invited to attend one of seven upcoming Campbell Forward presidential speaking tour events, beginning Sept. 16 at Myers Park Country Club in Charlotte. Future events will be held in Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Hampton, Va., Fayetteville and Wilmington, and on Oct. 28, Downs will speak on Campbell’s main campus in the Oscar N. Harris Student Union.
At each stop, Campbell’s sixth president will share his vision on how to grow and strengthen Campbell University, “starting right now and moving forward boldly into a bright future.”
“There’s an abundance of good news to share about our University, and I am eager to preview portions of my vision for the future with all who attend,” Downs said. “That future is one that prioritizes enrollment growth, continued expansion of our world-class graduate and professional programs, extension of the Campbell brand to one that is nationally recognized and respected, and a reinvigoration of the faith foundation that has served Campbell so well for 138 years.”
Downs said he will share a sampling of initiatives designed to strengthen Campbell’s academic offerings and will touch on other themes from athletics to community engagement.
“Just as important as the remarks that I will provide will be the ideas and input I gather from those in attendance,” he said. “I’m always learning through listening, and I see that as another essential goal of our visits across the state.”
Downs became Campbell’s sixth president on July 1 after serving as president of Gardner-Webb University and, prior to that, dean of the Thomas Harriott College of Arts and Sciences at East Carolina University. A native of Raleigh, Downs earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from North Carolina State University and his Master’s and Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta.
Vice President for Advancement John Latteri called the upcoming Campbell Forward tour a “meaningful opportunity” to connect with members of the Campbell community and reaffirm the shared values that make the University so special.
“We see these events as a bridge between our past and future,” Latteri said. “We hope our guests walk away with a renewed sense of pride, a deeper understanding of President Downs’ vision, and a clear invitation to be part of the journey ahead. These gatherings are designed to celebrate our collective legacy, spark new ideas and strengthen the bonds that keep our Campbell community thriving.”
Events are planned for:
- Sept. 16: Charlotte at Myers Park Country Club
- Sept. 23: Winston-Salem at the Arts Council
- Oct. 2: Raleigh at Campbell Law School
- Oct. 11: Football at Hampton tailgate
- Oct. 22: Fayetteville at Highland Country Club
- Oct. 28: Buies Creek at the Oscar N. Harris Student Union
- Nov. 6: Wilmington at Aloft at Coastline Center
Register to attend an upcoming Campbell Forward event