Campbell connects: New leadership highlights vision for University as part of state wide Presidential Tour

By Faith Hatton, posted Oct 23, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Photo provided by: **Campbell University - Bennett Scarborough**

Dozens of Campbell University Alumni gathered at the Highland Country Club in Fayetteville on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to meet with Dr. William M. Downs, Campbell University's sixth president as part of his statewide Presidential Welcome Tour.

Featuring six stops in key cities across the state, Fayetteville was the fourth stop which allowed Dr. Downs to connect with alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends to discuss his vision for the future of Campbell University.

During his address, Downs mentioned the University's presence on Fort Bragg and the current pipeline of students coming from Cumberland County.

“We are so proud, so pleased that Campbell has a long standing important presence at Fort Bragg. We have eight staff members, employed at Fort Bragg, 18 bachelor's degree opportunities, six associate degree opportunities [and] 253 students connected with Campbell through Fort Bragg this semester,” shared Downs in his address.

He shared that a total of 2,745 alumni also live in Cumberland County making it a key market for future recruitment.

“Thinking about Cumberland County as a whole, 67 new freshmen transfer students from Cumberland County have joined us at Campbell in our incoming class this fall. Over all 325 students enrolled at all levels at Campbell, all from Cumberland County,” shared Downs. “Those numbers should tell you that Campbell University has an important footprint right here, that this is a special place for us, and we're here for a reason.”

The evening featured words from alumna Jean Howard (seated second from the right.) Photo provided by: **Campbell University - Bennett Scarborough**

Moving into his plans for the future, Downs highlighted the need to connect more with surrounding communities and present Campbell University as a potential option for higher education, enhance the student life experience and increase enrollment and other strategic initiatives for the future of the university.

Immediate goals for the future include:

Increasing undergraduate enrollment, which is the top priority for the foreseeable future.
Developing a new five-year strategic plan for the university, incorporating input from alumni and other stakeholders.
Updating the university's 21-year-old master plan for the physical campus, including exploring options like a hotel and outdoor performing arts center.
Launch the university's most ambitious fundraising campaign in its 138-year history to support the strategic plan and campus improvements.

“I've been at Campbell for three months. Each and every day I meet new people. I hear new ideas. We are fully immersed in listening, learning, building a new team, setting expectations and establishing a firm foundation. And even though only just a few months in, I'm confident enough to share the following message with you:

opportunities to become America's Campbell University has the academic assets, the mission, the people and the next great higher education success stories, not just North Carolina, but America,” shared Downs.

Dr. Downs concluded the evening with a brief Q&A session followed by meeting with alumni in attendance.

The next stop in the Presidential Welcome Tour will take place on Campbell’s Campus in Buies Creek, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. The event is free to attend but registration is required.

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