Campbell University welcomed nearly 1,400 new undergraduate students to campus to start the new 2015-16 academic year, including over 1,000 freshmen. Below, 13 freshmen — all recipients of scholarships worth at least $10,000 a year — share how they ended up at Campbell and why. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Brittany Apple
Shelby Basham
Karlee Byrd
Rachel Davis
Karson Fair
Matthew Hamlet
Kaitlyn Hancock
Sarah Haneklau
Justin Hoover
Sarah Page
Austin Price
Emily Stallings
Natalie Wakefield
Brittany Apple
High School: Trinity Christian SchoolHigh school activities: SGA, Honor Society, basketball, soccer, student mission trip to Ecuador (spring break 2015), Bible study, and drama club.High school activity that most influenced me: My mission trip to Ecuador this past spring break changed a lot of things for me! It was definitely the biggest influence on my major and my choosing Campbell. When I went, I fell in love with the kids in a town in the jungle called Misahualli. God showed me a new passion that I didn’t know was in me. I discovered how much I wanted to help those kids and how important it was for me to come back one day and help them in ways I couldn’t on a short-term mission trip. That trip showed me my desire to become a pediatrician, but more importantly it showed me how God wanted me to be a missionary one day.Why I chose my major: I hope to become a medical missionary. I want to be a pediatrician so that I can go back to Ecuador and help those kids in a medical and spiritual way.Why I chose Campbell: Honestly, it wasn’t me who chose Campbell; it was God. When I first came to visit, I felt at home and had a peace about it. There were times when I would doubt it, but ultimately I’ve felt led to come here ever since my first visit.When I think about Campbell, I think about…: A camel. It’s the best mascot ever.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Family. Because I’ve always felt at home when I’m on campus.#CampbellTraditions I am most looking forward to: The Christmas tree lights ceremony sounds really cool. I can just imagine the student body standing around and singing about Jesus. It gives me chills!
Shelby Basham
High School: South Point Senior High SchoolHigh school activities: Moot Court, National Honors Society, Model UN Club, Volunteer prosecuting attorney with local teen court program, Spanish Club, Future Teachers of America.High school activity that most influenced me: Teen Court and Moot Court. I realized I wanted to be a part of a system that can help those wronged by criminals.Why I chose my major: Criminal Justice/Pre-law will help prepare me for law school but also give me other options in the justice system in case I decide not to go to law school. Also, during one of my visits, I sat in on a class taught by Dr. James Martin. In this class, Dr. Martin did an excellent job of teaching and conveying the information in a way that was exciting and interesting to me. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this department.Why I chose Campbell: I decided on Campbell after visiting twice. I loved the class sizes and the fact that everyone knew my name. Over the course of the visits, my admissions counselor and several others were more than willing to help me with anything. All of my questions were always answered to the fullest. I loved the personal touch to the college.When I think about Campbell, I think about . . .: Opportunities. The availability of internships, connections, and relationships from Campbell are really endless. The friendliness of faculty, staff, and other students will give me excellent resources to succeed as a student as well as a person.Word(s) I’d use to describe Campbell: Welcoming. Everyone truly has interest in more than themselves and it really seems to be more than just a school but rather a close-knit community that wants to help everyone do well and will try to give all the resources needed to push one towards success.#CampbellTraditions I am most looking forward to: Being part of Welcome Week and participating in mud volleyball. I am also very excited to attend a variety of sporting events and cheer on my fellow Camels. I also can’t wait to help spread the new tradition of touching the “stache” of Mr. J.A. Campbell!
Karlee Byrd
High School: West Johnston High SchoolMajor: Biology/Pre-physician assistantHigh school activities: FFA, specifically in the horticulture and floriculture competitions; National Honor Society, including vice president as junior and president as senior; Volunteer Club, including president; Upward Basketball volunteer coach.High school activity that most influenced me: Upward Basketball. I learned to play basketball through that league when I was in elementary school and decided to give back to the program when I aged out. I have coached kids from kindergarten to 5th grade. I learned so much about interacting with and understanding people of all ages and through all kinds of situations. It taught me how to be a leader on the court and off the court. I found that I love to help people and I am a natural nurturer, which led me to my major.Why I chose my major: Biology/pre-physician assistant will prepare me for PA school, which will eventually allow me to spend my life helping others.Why I chose Campbell: I feel at home on the campus and there is not nearly as much religious persecution as at the other colleges I was looking at. Campbell will foster both my academic and spiritual growth.When I think about Campbell, I think about . . . : I first think about camels because of our unique mascot, and then the high academic standards that all of the students are held to.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Prestigious, because Campbell raises the bar high for its students in order to turn them into the leaders of the future.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: All of the service projects that are held on campus and throughout the Buies Creek community.
Rachel Davis
High School: Home schoolHigh school activities: Involved with programs at church, including teaching children’s choir and Sunday school; Focused on learning piano and have played in competitions around North Carolina; Writing pieces for Campbell University’s magazine and blog; Junior docent at the North Carolina Museum of History since sixth grade.High school activity that most influenced me: Both helping with Campbell’s communications department and volunteering at the history museum have helped me solidify what I enjoy doing and where my skills lie. I learned that I enjoy both writing and teaching, and both of these experiences have helped me explore those interests while still in high school.Why I chose my major: I plan to double major in English and history at Campbell. I chose these fields because they are what I most enjoy spending my time on and enjoy exploring. I know that the analytical and thinking skills that they equip me with will be useful, no matter what my career ends up as, and I know they will help me in the future. Also, I trust Campbell’s professors to give me the best possible education.Why I chose Campbell: Because of the strength of its academics, its Christian background, its welcoming atmosphere, and its size. I did not want to attend a big school, nor a secular school where my beliefs might be compromised. Campbell felt like the perfect fit.When I think about Campbell, I think about…: A school that prides itself on being a family and really connecting with and caring about each student. I know those who work there will always go the extra mile for the students and really want them to feel welcomed at the school. It has a small town feel, and prides itself on that atmosphere.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Accommodating, because the professors and other faculty want you to do your best, and they are willing to work with you to help you achieve your goals. Everyone here wants you to succeed.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: The medallion ceremony will be a great start to my college experience and really emphasize the importance of the next four years. It means I am officially a college freshman.
Karson Fair
High School: South Johnston High SchoolHigh school activities: Student Government, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Varsity Cheerleading, Junior Varsity Soccer, Dance Team, Joco Teen Drivers, SkillsUSA (as a state and local chapter officer), FFA, Key Club, and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen during my senior year.High school activity that influenced me the most: Being Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen last year undoubtedly prepared me for college (and life) in more ways than one. I learned how to carry myself in a job interview, the importance of time management, how to be more independent, how to be relatable and easy to talk to, and so much more. Had it not been for the Miss North Carolina Organization, I wouldn’t be as prepared for my future as I am today.Why I chose my major: When I was 11, I was referred to a pediatric psychologist after my parents’ divorce. My psychologist served to be a beacon of light and confidant when I needed someone most. I would like to carry on that chain of goodness and harvest hope for children who need it most. I want to make a difference; I want to change lives.Why I chose Campbell: I applied and was accepted into eight universities, including my “dream school” UNC-Chapel Hill, but I was convicted to choose the school God wanted me to go to. After much prayer for a specific sign, I had a meeting with admissions at Campbell after touring the campus and found out I was the recipient of another large scholarship. From that moment, I knew God was telling me Campbell was the right place for me. Since then, every professor I’ve met, student I’ve asked, or experience I’ve heard about has only confirmed that I made the right decision.When I think about Campbell, I think about…: As many people repeat when you walk on campus, when you go to Campbell you join the Campbell family.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Wholesome. Campbell upholds the same values and instruction that I was taught while growing up and encourages its students to go against the grain in a society that downplays Christianity. Every student feels welcome and at home when they step onto campus, into a classroom, or even into an office, and that’s what sets Campbell apart. It’s unlike any other.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: Welcome Week!
Matthew Hamlet
High School: Bishop McGuiness High SchoolHigh school activities: Swimming; various service activities, including two mission trips in North Carolina; and worked as a lifeguard at the local YMCA.High school activity that most influenced me: The mission trips. I really learned the value of hard work and cooperation/teamwork while working with other mission participants and with others in the community.Why I chose my major: I am a pre-pharmacy major. I want to work in the pharmacy field because it is a good opportunity to work in a science/medical field, which I believe are my strengths, and I can help those in the community around me.Why I chose Campbell: I visited last fall and loved the campus but more importantly, also the atmosphere. There’s a common respect among students as well as faculty. I was also impressed with the pre-pharmacy curriculum.When I think about Campbell, I think about. . . : A truly welcoming and inviting place to learn and grow. I think Campbell offers me the perfect place to excel, both as a student and as a young adult.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Inviting. The atmosphere is amazing. I immediately felt at home on my first visit, and on each subsequent visit, I have felt a caring and positive atmosphere that I am excited to become a part of.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: Mud Volleyball sounds like a lot of fun! I am also looking forward to the activities that Student Life organizes, such as concerts and movies on weekends.
Kaitlyn Hancock
High School: Delran High SchoolHigh school activities: Captain of both the basketball and lacrosse teams; National Honors Society; Quill and Scroll; and took part in an independent case study where I student taught at the elementary school and worked about two hours every day side-by-side with my cooperating teacher helping the students in the kindergarten classroom.High school activity that most influenced me: By far student teaching has been the most influential in helping prepare me for this next chapter in my life. Working with the students every day showed me how much of an impact a teacher has on a student’s life. It was incredible to see the transformation of the students from Day 1 to Day 180.Why I chose my major: I am majoring in elementary and special education. I want to have a career that pays off emotionally, and knowing that you have helped shaped the nation’s youth into tomorrow’s adults is something that will always pay off at the end of the day. Being a teacher allows you to be a part of something that is much bigger than yourself.Why I chose Campbell: The staff has helped me through this transition process immensely, and I can truly say that I have never met a more welcoming and easy going group of people in my life. Campbell truly has a Southern charm that no other school can compare with.When I think about Campbell, I think about…: When I think about Campbell I think about community. I think about a community of students who are passionate about what they are doing. I think about a community of professors who are passionate about their subject area. I think about a community of fans who are passionate about that four legged furry camel who loves his black and orange! Without this incredible community Buies Creek would be just another ordinary small town, and Campbell University would be just another college campus.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Conscientious is one word that fits Campbell to a tee. From the president of the university to campus security, everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcomed and important while on campus. Everyone on campus works as one cohesive unit to ensure that every student gets an excellent education, while having the college experience of a lifetime.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: Getting my Campbell medallion [at New Student Convocation]. I absolutely love what is written on the medallion and on university seal, “Ad Astra per Aspera,” or “To the Stars through Difficulties.” It will be a constant reminder that even on the hardest days I need to keep pushing myself to reach my dreams.
Sarah Haneklau
High School: Harnett Central High SchoolHigh school activity that most influenced me: During high school the biggest thing I was involved in at Harnett Central was the Emergency Services Academy, where I got my EMT certification. It’s really helped shape me into a better person and greatly influenced my decision to go into pre-medicine.Why I chose my major: I’m expecting to major in pre-med because I’ve always had a love of science and especially biology. I just really love learning how things work.Why I chose Campbell: Because the small community here welcomed me with open arms even though we aren’t from this area. This place has really grown on me and I don’t want to leave.What I am most looking forward to at Campbell: To being part of the community here at Campbell.When I think about Campbell, I think about. . . : How genuine and considerate the people here are. That’s what I desperately want to be a part of.
Justin Hoover
High School: East Duplin High SchoolHigh school activities: Beta Club, TSA, wrestling, and tennis.High school activity that most influenced me: Wrestling was the most influential in helping me prepare for college. I was really on the fence about joining the team and trying something different. It took me a while but I finally decided to go for it and I’m glad I did. It taught me to try new experiences and to just go for things. You never know if you will like it, unless you try it, which is a big part of college, because college is a time of trying out things you haven’t before and finding out who you are and what you want to do.Why I chose my major: I have picked biology because it is my best subject and the most interesting to me. I find that the study of life has so much more to learn and that it never really gets boring to me. I also plan on attending med school.Why I chose Campbell: Because of the family feel I got when I visited. It’s a smaller school, which means that you know most of the people and have a much closer bond with your fellow students as well as the faculty. Campbell is also not too far away from home but just far enough away to give me the feel like I’m out and doing my own thing.When I think about Campbell, I think about…: How much fun and what a ride these next few years are going to be. There is going to be a lot of studying, hard work, and fun packed into what seems like a long time but really goes by in a flash. I know there is going to be ups and downs but my experience at Campbell is going to make me a better person.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Family. I can already tell that Campbell is going to be a second family and a home away from home.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: Mud volleyball. It sounds like a lot of fun and I know that it’s a big thing on campus.
Sarah Page
High School: North Raleigh Christian AcademyHigh school activities: Speech and debate program, color guard, and a number of other clubs like the Spanish Club and Chemistry Club; secretary of Student Council one year and Student Body President another year; senator and a representative with N.C. YMCA’s Youth and Government.High school activity that most influenced me: Debate helped me realize my love for communicating and arguing and showed me that in order to have a happy life I needed to try to do something that would allow me to continue to do these things in some capacity.Why I chose my major: I originally had ideas about pre- pharmacy, but I exchanged a few emails with Dr. [Jimmy] Witherspoon and decided to try trust and wealth management. The job placement rate is phenomenal and was one if the deciding factors. Plus, I can learn about business, which has always fascinated me, while preparing for law school, a dream of mine since I was a little girl.Why I chose Campbell: Campbell just seemed perfect! It has so many opportunities for all the careers I was considering. It is relatively small, and it shares my values.When I think about Campbell, I think . . .: Camels, orange, and college life. But mostly I see the great opportunity Campbell provides beyond these next few years. It’s an invaluable spring board to what is hopefully a great future. I can’t wait to see what’s in store and how Campbell can help me achieve my dreams.Word(s) I’d use to describe Campbell: I see Campbell as the best opportunity and blessing that has come way. Those words remind me not to squander my time here.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: Mud volleyball, Puppy Day, and wearing orange on Wednesdays.
Austin Price
High School: Ashe County High SchoolHigh school activities: Beta Club, Rho Kappa, Science Olympiad, other leadership programs, basketball, golf, and a part-time job at a golf course.High school activity that most influenced me: My job at the golf course was eye opening. Maintaining and managing a job as well as a budget and income changes your perspective about many things in life. You appreciate the value of hard work and a dollar. It motivated me to pursue my dreams of becoming a pharmacist and achieving economic stability. Having a job forced me to manage my time, maintain a good work ethic, and appreciate teamwork.Why I chose my major: Doctorate in pharmacy is the path I wish to pursue at Campbell. The field of pharmacy is not only very interesting and growing, it also offers you a chance to make a difference in the world. I may not be discovering a pill that saves the planet, but I will be able to take my knowledge back to my small community and make a positive impact.Why I chose Campbell: When considering small schools for pharmacy, it’s almost impossible not to hear about the wonderful school that is Campbell. Campbell is one of the most prominent and fastest growing private schools in the nation, and I heard about its success from many of my teachers and community members. My interest in Campbell was intensified when my sister decided to attend and fell in love with it. All of the hype and positive energy surrounding Campbell made the decision to attend an easy one.When I think about Campbell, I think about. ..: A new start and success. I’m excited to take part in such a growing and interesting community.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Orange. The reason this word comes to mind is obvious, but it represents the excitement, fun, and growth currently happening at Campbell.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: Mud volleyball and the Christmas tree lighting event.
Emily Stallings
High School: Bunn High SchoolHigh school activities: President of National Beta Club, president of Project Unify, Student Body treasurer, golf, Youth Council at Pilot Baptist Church, Special Olympics Project Unify Youth Activation Council for North Carolina (SONCPUYAC), and chair of SONCPUYAC’ Recruitment Committee.High school activity that most influenced me: Being a member of the SONCPUYAC was the most influential activity I participated in as far as choosing a major is concerned. I was exposed to the health initiatives in place for those with special needs through meetings with numerous doctors and volunteering at health screenings at the Special Olympics of North Carolina tournaments.Why I chose my major: My expected major at Campbell is biology with a pre-med track because I would like to attend medical school.Why I chose Campbell: Because of the friendly, faith-based, inviting environment that exudes from the staff and students at the university.When I think about Campbell, I think about…: Family. Campbell is a university that seems to encourage the bringing of its students together.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Home. Every time I visit, I am filled with a sense of community and acceptance. It’s a great feeling to be more than just a number!What I am most looking forward to at Campbell: I can’t wait to hopefully be involved in the Student Government and intramural sports!#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: After attending Orientation, I was overwhelmed with the numerous opportunities that the university offers for its students to get involved and give back. I am looking forward to being involved in service, making friends that become family, and growing in my faith.
Natalie Wakefield
High School: Harnett Central High SchoolHigh school activities: Tennis, Vocal Ensemble, Culinary Arts, other clubs, and church.High school activity that most influenced me: All of the activities I have been involved in have really shaped me into the person I am today. Being on school teams taught me how to be a team player and work well with people from all different backgrounds. Being a part of an amazing church family has helped me be a better person who is focused on God. The people in my church have always been really encouraging and supportive in everything I do. My church has given me many opportunities to work with people from all different walks of life. Because of this I will be able to connect with people better in college. I have also been able to work with many children, which is what I want to do after college.Why I chose my major: I am majoring in biology/pre-medicine and planning on going to medical school to become a pediatrician. I want to be a pediatrician because I love working with kids and seeing their faces when you help them feel better. I also really enjoy math and science classes and learning how the body works.Why I chose Campbell: I have always liked Campbell and knew it was the best place for me to spend my college years. I love that Campbell is a small school with lots of heart. I was also really excited when the medical school opened.When I think about Campbell, I think about. . . .: All the memories I have made there so far and all the many memories yet to be made. I am really excited about being a Campbell Camel for the next four years.Word(s) I would use to describe Campbell: Campbell has always been a home to me and I feel comfortable and happy knowing that I am just leaving one home and moving to another home.#CampbellTraditions I can’t wait to do: I am most looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing college life. I am also looking forward to going to football and basketball games with friends.
Meet 13 members of the Class of 2019