Campbell and Wingate universities officially installed new presidents this month. Both universities invested in opportunities for not only the students to get involved but, the community as well, in activities meant to unify the student body and highlight each university’s opportunities.
Campbell University
Campbell University in Buies Creek, which was founded in 1887, installed J. Bradley Creed in a ceremony April 8. Creed, the university’s fifth president, took over as the school’s leader in July.
BR photo by Dianna L. Cagle J. Bradley Creed, right, with his wife, Kathy, by his side, greets a line of people in Campbell University’s Butler Chapel after Creed’s installation service. |
He replaces Jerry M. Wallace, who retired June 30 after 12 years as the university’s president and 45 years at the school.
Wallace, along with many others, was part of the installation ceremony. He and Creed crisscrossed the state as they met Campbell alumni and supporters the last few months.
“In all he did he left Samford a far better, stronger, more vibrant place than he found it,” said Andrew Westmoreland, president at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., where Creed served as provost, executive vice president and professor of religion.
Creed was also dean of the George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University in Waco, Texas and pastor of churches in Texas and Louisiana.
“Through Campbell, we all have an opportunity to make a difference,” Creed said. “Campbell University is your opportunity. When God opens the door of opportunity, walk through it.”
As part of installation week, Campbell hosted a run, worship service, lecture and concert as well as Operation Inasmuch, a community outreach effort to serve its neighbors.
Wingate University photo Rhett Brown was installed as Wingate University’s president in an April 7 service. |
Wingate University
Wingate University installed its 10th president April 7.
Rhett Brown is the first former graduate to hold the office of president at the school, which was founded in 1896.
He received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1989 and a master of business administration in 2001.
Brown took over for Jerry McGee on June 1, 2015.
“Our guiding purpose at Wingate University is to change lives for the better: those who study here, who teach here, who work here, and who live here,” Brown said. “Our pursuit is a knowledge that informs our faith and leads us to serve others. That is the purpose of higher education at Wingate University.”
While Brown was most recently vice president for student life and enrollment services, he has held numerous positions since his college graduation.
Students, staff and members of the community participated in a Day of Service, which included projects to benefit children, the homeless and the poor. Donors also contributed around $76,000 to a One Day, One Dog campaign. Visit campbell.edu or wingate.edu.