BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Dr. Wayne Flynt, the retired professor of history at Auburn University who delivered the eulogy at Harper Lee’s memorial service in February 2016, will be the featured speaker at two events during the week that Campbell University will celebrate the inauguration of its fifth president, Dr. J. Bradley Creed:
- Lecture with Dr. Wayne Flynt, Monday, April 4, 7 p.m.: “What Harper Lee and Southern Small Towns Can Teach the World about Theology, History, Literature, Race, and Community.”
- President’s Forum, Tuesday, April 5, 7 p.m.: A Public Conversation between Dr. J. Bradley Creed and Dr. Wayne Flynt
Both events will be held in Butler Chapel and are open to the entire campus community and to the public.
Flynt is a graduate of and a member of the Board of Overseers at Samford University. Before he began his duties as Campbell’s president July 1, 2015, Creed was the provost at Samford, where he got to know Flynt.
“I know Brad Creed for his years as an excellent and respected provost at Samford University,” Flynt said. “I also know him as a personal friend. I consider the opportunity to present these lecturers on this occasion to be one of the highlights of my career as a scholar, writer and lecturer.”
Flynt is professor emeritus of history at Auburn University and one of the world’s most recognized and honored scholars of Southern history, politics and religion. He was also a longtime friend of Harper Lee and gave the eulogy at her memorial service Feb. 22, 2016, as she had requested.
The author of 11 books, Flynt was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for “Poor But Proud: Alabama’s Poor Whites.” His book, “Alabama in the Twentieth Century,” was awarded the 2004 Anne B. and James B. McMillan Prize. He is also the author of the memoir “Keeping the Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives,” where he writes about his experiences with the Civil Rights Movement.
The two events are part of nine days of activities that Campbell is holding to mark the inauguration of Creed as the university’s fifth president.
Installation Week began Friday, April 1, with Relay for Life. Other events over the weekend included “Running the Creek with Creed” 5K and a University Worship Service. Events for the rest of the week follow:
Installation Week Schedule of Events
Friday, April 1
Relay for Life
3 p.m. | Academic Circle
Student organizations will raise money and awareness to support the fight against cancer in this annual event.
Saturday, April 2
“Running the Creek with Creed” 5K
8 a.m. | Begin at Natatorium
Dr. J. Bradley Creed runs over 1,000 miles a year. He invites you to join him for about 3 of them during this run around campus.
Sunday, April 3
University Worship Service
7 p.m. | Butler Chapel
Dr. Michael G. Cogdill, Campbell Divinity’s founding dean and a professor of Christian ministry, will deliver the message during a service to celebrate the installation of Campbell’s 5th president.
Monday, April 4
Lecture with Dr. Wayne Flynt
7 p.m. | Butler Chapel
The Auburn University Professor Emeritus of History will speak on “What Harper Lee and Southern Small Towns Can Teach the World about Theology, History, Literature, Race, and Community.”
Tuesday, April 5
President’s Forum
7 p.m. | Butler Chapel
A public conversation between Dr. J. Bradley Creed and Dr. Wayne Flynt, a professor emeritus of history at Auburn University and author of “Keeping the Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives.”
Wednesday, April 6
Campbell Opera Theatre Presents
7 p.m. | Scott Concert Hall
Campbell students will perform selections from “Carmen,” “Figaro,” and “The Elixir of Love.”
Thursday, April 7
Cookout with the Creeds
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Outside Marshbanks
Students are invited to attend a cookout hosted by the fifth president, Dr. J. Bradley Creed, and the first lady, Kathy Creed. (Must show your student ID to eat.)
“Creed” Movie
9 p.m. | Turner Auditorium
The Campus Activities Board will host a screening of the film “Creed.” Popcorn and drinks will be provided.
Friday, April 8
The Installation of J. Bradley Creed
2 p.m. | John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center
Campbell will officially install Dr. J. Bradley Creed as its 5th president during a ceremony that celebrates the university as a place of opportunities.
Installation Reception
Immediately following installation | John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center
Congratulate Campbell’s 5th president, Dr. J. Bradley Creed, and meet his family following the installation ceremony.
Saturday, April 9
Operation INASMUCH
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Across Harnett County
Campbell students, faculty, and staff disperse across the community to serve their neighbors and those in the greatest need.