Vanessa Jackson, the associate registrar for Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, was the recipient of the first Cherished Camel Award on Thursday, recognizing her contributions to the school since joining in 2022.
Jackson was surprised while on main campus Thursday — she is currently working toward a doctorate with the Divinity School — by President William Downs, classmates, Gladys the Camel and Law School Registrar Connie Shipman Newsome, who nominated her for the award.
“Vanessa has been a Godsend to the law school since joining on the first day of classes back in 2022,” Newsome said. “She strives toward continuous process improvements … and I’ve just always admired her drive and her initiative.”
The Cherished Camel Award is an early initiative by Downs, who became Campbell University’s sixth president on July 1. The award is designed to regularly recognize “exceptional performance” by Campbell staff and to “promote excellence and provide visible university-wide appreciation of employees who demonstrate daily dedication, initiative and productivity.”
Jackson is the first of five recipients who’ll be honored in the coming weeks. Downs said his office received more than 60 nominations in the last few weeks.
Prior to coming to Campbell, Jackson was a middle school teacher and director of an after-school program. She graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina Central University and holds a Master of Arts in religion and Master of Divinity from Liberty University.
In her nominating letter, Newsome wrote of Jackson: “She collaborates well with others and has been known to lend an encouraging word, a listening ear or prayer if someone asks for such. She consistently promotes a pleasant and positive work environment and is committed to being genuine and compassionate when needed. She is transparent, straight forward and encouraging. Campbell University is blessed to have her working in our institution.”
All current full-time and part-time Campbell employees with non-faculty appointments and who have worked at Campbell for at least one year are eligible for the Cherished Camel Award. Each recipient receives a $100 gift card and a certificate. Nominations for future recipients can be made here.