A legacy of Leadership
Dating back to the founding of Buies Creek Academy on January 5, 1887, Dr. J.A. Campbell set the stage for Campbell University to become one of North Carolina’s leading private universities of the liberal arts, business, law, divinity, education, engineering, medicine, pharmacy and health sciences. Enrolling more North Carolinians than any other private university in the state, Campbell truly is a first choice private institution among the state’s citizenry.
Over the course of 137 years, just five individuals have served as president of Campbell University. An exciting future lies ahead for Campbell’s sixth president. The Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees seek a bold and engaging leader who will build upon the solid foundation that is Campbell University. This new leader is expected to be named by the spring of 2025 and begin his or her duties on July 1.
Executive Search Firm
The Campbell University Board of Trustees has engaged CarterBaldwin, a recognized leader in higher education searches, to serve as our partner and facilitate the search process. Our team from CarterBaldwin will be led by Bill Peterson and Gerri Williams.
As a first step, the firm will assist the search committee in the development of a position profile, which will define the qualities and characteristics the Campbell community is seeking in its next president.
Nominations, inquiries and applications may be sent to campbellpres@carterbaldwin.com.
Additional inquiries should be directed to:
Mr. Bill Peterson, Partner
CarterBaldwin Executive Search
bpeterson@carterbaldwin.com
Dr. Gerri Williams, Associate Partner
CarterBaldwin Executive Search
gwilliams@carterbaldwin.com
Search Process Timeline
Search Communications
Dear Campbell community:
Gene Lewis, chair of the Campbell University board of trustees, announced the formation of a 12-person presidential search committee and selection of a search firm to identify and recommend candidates to succeed J. Bradley Creed as the institution’s next president. The decision follows an announcement in April that President Creed will retire in the summer of 2025. The committee includes representatives from Campbell’s faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and students.
Lewis said he is confident in the committee’s ability to undertake this task. “This diverse search committee represents the solidity of our university and its unique strengths,” said Lewis, who will also serve as chair of the presidential search committee. “This team will identify a visionary leader who will help ensure Campbell University is poised for continued success while maintaining the values that have cemented this institution as a leader in North Carolina’s higher education ecosystem.”
Members of the presidential search committee are as follows:
Board of Trustees Members
James Eugene “Gene” Lewis III, Chair ’95
Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor, UBS Financial Services
Frederick “Fred” L. Taylor II ’92
President, Troy Lumber Company
Jeff Roberts, DMin
Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Raleigh
Joseph “Joe” C. Hall, Jr.
Retired Businessman
Robert “Bob” L. Whiteman
Trustee Emeritus
Alumni Representatives
Rebecca Brock ’97 BBA, ’01 MBA
President, Alumni Board of Directors
Senior Vice President and Fiduciary Director, Truist Wealth
Wanda Watkins ’79, ’81 MEd
Former Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Faculty Members
Michael L. Adams, ’96 PharmD
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost
David L. Tolentino, DO
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Fubara, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Professor of Business, Lundy-Fetterman School of Business
Staff Member
Deborah Gibbs
University Bursar
Student Representative
Aviel Eubanks
Executive President, Student Government Association
Political Science, Pre-Law Major
Campbell retained leading executive search firm CarterBaldwin to facilitate the search for the university’s next president. CarterBaldwin has experience conducting president and chancellor searches for numerous other religiously-affiliated institutions, including King University, Pepperdine University, Samford University, Liberty University, and Charleston Southern University.
CarterBaldwin and the search committee will undertake an active national search to identify a diverse field of promising candidates. Following interviews, reference checks, and possible campus visits, the committee will narrow the field and recommend candidates for the presidency to the board. A new president is expected to be named by the first quarter of 2025 and begin their duties on July 1.
Greetings Community:
We’re writing to share that this morning, during a meeting of the University Board of Trustees, President J. Bradley Creed announced he will retire from his position in June 2025, completing 10 years of steadfast leadership at Campbell University.
While we’re saddened by the news, we are equally celebratory of President Creed’s immeasurable impact and compassionate leadership during his tenure. He graciously agreed to continue his presidency over the next year to help propel Campbell into the future and ensure a smooth transition for the next president.
Please join us in extending sincere appreciation to President Creed for his dedicated service to Campbell. Our university has grown and flourished under his leadership, and he will be missed.
The Board of Trustees is moving forward with a national search for President Creed’s successor. Rest assured, we will keep you and the rest of the Campbell community informed as the search progresses.
Best regards,
Gene Lewis III and the Campbell University Board of Trustees
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