Buies Creek–There are numerous people who have helped shape Campbell University over the years–Presidents Leslie Campbell and Norman A. Wiggins, Dr. A.R. Burkot, Lonnie Small and Coach Fred McCall, to name a few. Now, another who has figured prominently in Campbell’s history, Dr. James Jung, has retired after 46 years of service to the university. Jung, who is a professor of chemistry and former chair of the Chemistry Department and the Division of Math and Science, came to Campbell in 1962.”I really didn’t want to leave,” said Jung, who remembers when basketball great Pete Maravich lit up the court at Carter Gymnasium. “But you reach a certain stage in your life when it’s the right thing to do.”Jung, who will retain his old office in the science building for a while and serve as adjunct professor of chemistry in the fall, says he is still keeping a foot in the door. But it’s not his tenure at Campbell Jung likes to talk about; it’s those he was privileged to work with–President Leslie Campbell, A.R. Burkot, Lonnie Small and Coach Fred McCall, who passed away earlier this year.McCall served as basketball coach for 33 years and later as vice president and guided the men’s basketball team to a 221-104 record. “Coach McCall and Bones McKinney started the very first basketball school in the nation here at Campbell,” Jung marveled. “They brought in names like Press Maravich, Dean Smith, John Wooden and Michael Jordan to teach.”President Leslie Campbell, son of founder James Archibald Campbell, was a very “gentle” man,” Jung remembers. “He was very emotional, easily moved to tears. He was so moved after my daughters and his granddaughters sang in church one Sunday; he pressed a quarter into each child’s hand.”Dr. A.R. Burkot, academic dean for many years, and Lonnie Small, vice president for Business and Treasurer, also played defining roles in Jung’s career.”I was a little rookie teacher when I first came here and Burkot kept me straight for many years,” he said. “Small introduced computers to campus and was behind the development of the Keith Hills Golf Course.” Jung recalls when Keith Hills first opened. “It cost $9,000 to buy a river-front lot and $300 to join the country club,” he smiled. “I thought no one would ever spend that kind of money for a lot there, but I was certainly proved wrong.”Jung’s greatest accomplishments are his students, not accolades. “I never kept those things (awards). But many of my students have gone on to get graduate degrees and become very successful. Several are currently teaching on the Pharmacy School faculty,” he said.His advice to new students who are pondering their career paths is to major in chemistry. “If you major in chemistry,” he said, “you’ll never regret it.”Jung said he was happy and excited to see all of the changes taking place at Campbell today. “The new convocation center, the chapel, the football stadium will only enhance the educational experience here,” he said.Jung received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Davidson College and a Master of Education in secondary education and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He delivered the keynote address at the university’s inaugural Medallion Ceremony and the 120th Founders Day celebration. Jung also received the dedication of the 2007 Pine Burr yearbook. Jung and his wife Patty are the parents of five children, Anita Bunce, Dayna Scarborough, Alisa Jung, David Jung and Krystal Alligood. They have 12 grandchildren and are expecting their third great-grandchild momentarily.Photo Copy: Dr. James Jung receives the dedication of the Pine Burr Yearbook at the 2007 Publications Day at Campbell University. Presenting the yearbook is editor Kate Anders.
Jung retires after 46 years