Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

Carlyle Campbell was the 4th President of Meredith College, serving from 1939-1966. Graduating with a B.A. from Wake Forest College, Campbell taught at Buies Creek Academy while earning a M.A., also from Wake Forest. After serving in the army during World War I, he attended Columbia University, then taught at Coker College (SC), becoming that school’s president for 11 years. He was awarded an honorary L.L.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1929.  After a stint at NC State as a professor and dean, Campbell assumed the leadership of Meredith College.

These years were ones of stability for the school, which entered the first round of the construction of seven desperately needed buildings, including the planning of the new library that would be named for him. Other campus landmarks constructed during Campbell’s tenure were the McIver Amphitheater and tennis courts, as well as a now- defunct horse-riding ring and outdoor swimming pool. In addition, he was responsible for the acquisition of an additional 56 acres for the Meredith College Campus. Campbell was admired for his “Chapel Talks,” a collection of which were published in 1996. Campbell was a scholar, an educator, a spiritual leader.  In addition, as one alumna of the Class of 1944, remembered, "I think all of us of my generation owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Campbell....Really, he knew everybody. And I think he was an inspiration to many people."  As Campbell approached retirement in 1966, a trustee of MC said of him that he “vigorously and boldly exerts his mind and strength in leading this great Christian college in the cause of truth.”