BUIES CREEK – BB&T has pledged $1.75 million toward Campbell University’s proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine, the institutions announced this week.
BB&T Eastern Region President Scott Evans, BB&T Dunn Branch Manager Mike Parham and Dunn Site Manager Larry Byrd were on hand recently to present the first installment of that pledge – a $250,000 check – to Campbell University President Dr. Jerry Wallace.
“Campbell University and BB&T enjoy an excellent long-standing partnership,” Evans said. “While serving as the primary financial partner for Campbell, we have also been a significant financial supporter over the years as well.”
In 2006, BB&T donated $700,000 to the University to create scholarships for students interested in majoring in a business field of study, and in 2011, the corporation gave $250,000 toward the expansion of Campbell’s Taylor Baseball Field.
“With BB&T celebrating our 140th birthday this year (and Campbell celebrating its 125th year), both institutions have roots dating back to the late 1800’s serving Central and Eastern North Carolina,” Evans added. “With the aging population within our markets, the ability to support Campbell’s (proposed) School of Osteopathic Medicine is consistent with BB&T’s mission and the right thing to do for the future of our communities in the markets we serve. Providing accessible primary health care is one of the major issues facing many of the markets we serve. In order for these communities to grow, our citizens will need the type of care, the Campbell’s graduates will provide.”
Wallace echoed Evans’ comments on the University’s partnership with BB&T.
“We are grateful for BB&T’s commitment toward helping Campbell educate and train primary care physicians in this state,” Wallace said.
Construction began in December on the 96,500-square-foot medical training facility that will house the proposed medical school, which is targeting Fall 2013 to commence classes. The school’s primary focus will be training for primary care and family medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry and other services, with an emphasis on rural areas or regions with little or no health care options.
In August 2010, the Campbell University Board of Trustees approved funding for a feasibility study for the establishment of the first School of Osteopathic Medicine in North Carolina. The following January, the University employed a dean, Dr. John Kauffman, to lead the accreditation progress. Additional administrative and academic support staff members have also been hired.
In the fall of 2011, Campbell University received pre-accreditation status for the medical school, with hopes of recruiting students for the fall of 2013.