Buies Creek, N.C. Long time Registrar David McGirt received the coveted 2011 Pine Burr yearbook dedication at the school’s annual Publications Day event held Monday, April 25.
“Every year, hundreds of Campbell University students make that oh-so-important walk across the stage to receive their diplomas,” the citation stated. “They never know the countless hours of dedication and planning that go into that ceremony. But once the stage is cleared, the Registrar’s Office is hard at work preparing for the next group of graduates.”
McGirt, who is celebrating 40 years of service to the University, said it is that dedication to student success that keeps him going. A 1967 Campbell graduate, McGirt came to Campbell to hone his writing skills and eventually served as editor of the Creek Pebbles student newspaper.
“I chose Campbell because Campbell wanted me,” McGirt said. “I thought that I could play tennis here, which I did, and I was interested in working with Creek Pebbles. I wanted to participate in some things that I knew I couldn’t do at a much larger school.”
A native of Red Springs, N.C., McGirt served as assistant to the Headmaster and chair of the English Department at Carolina Military Academy before joining the Registrar’s Office staff in 1970. McGirt was named Registrar of the University in 1972.
Campbell has undergone countless changes since McGirt joined the staff, but his zeal for his job hasn’t changed he said.
“Every day brings a new challenge and the joy of working with students and talented colleagues,” he said. “Campbell is a calling and not a job or a position. I enjoy working with colleagues who put the mission of the University at the top of their priorities.”
McGirt also received a Master of Education in English from Campbell. He is married to the former Nancy Caudle, a 1984 graduate of the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. His son by a previous marriage, R. Gordon McGirt, also received his BBA and MBA from Campbell.
“My son is one of my heroes and a man from whom I continue to learn and for whom my respect and admiration continue to grow,” he said.
Photo Copy: Campbell Registrar David McGirt