| mySPIN |
 Campbell Law Moves to Raleigh
by Tom Campbell
September 13, 2009
Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law is celebrating its move to downtown Raleigh. It seems appropriate that the origins of this institution be remembered by a member of the founding family.
Founder James Archibald Campbell died nine years before my birth, but I have seen pictures and heard plenty about him. His most distinguishing physical characteristic was his red hair, but his great warmth, sense of humor and charisma are what most remember. Ordained as a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church, Jim Arch, as he was often addressed, served three churches most of his active life. In 1887, he started a one-room school that cost 350 dollars to construct, desiring to bring education to boys and girls in Harnett County. He graduated from Wake Forest College in 1911, the same year as his sons Leslie Hartwell and Arthur Carlyle.
A May 1926 Charlotte Observer editorial paid tribute to James Archibald, saying “…Young Campbell had nothing with which to start but Scotch grit, indomitable will, faith never failing and unshakable in the Infinite and in the efficacy of prayer; a heart large and tender with love for humanity and a consuming zeal to serve his God and his fellowman. …He has been an inspiration and a kind and gentle counselor and father to thousands of boys and girls, who have loved him in such measure that in many cases their devotion to him was all sufficient motive for clean and exemplary conduct.”
My father, Hartwell Campbell, lived with his grandfather and grandmother during his formative years and remembers that Buies Creek Academy always struggled financially, taking pigs and produce in exchange for tuition, because parents had no money with which to pay. He remembers his grandfather was always full of fun, enjoying people, gentle and caring. Money was scarce and it was his grandmother, “Miss Neelie,” with the business sense to always stretch a dollar. He had wonderful memories growing up in the Campbell House, now a historic landmark.
My own memories of visits to Buies Creek include watching cows graze on campus, serving the dual purpose of feeding the livestock while keeping the grass trimmed. My grandfather Leslie was president of what was then a junior college and I still recall the smell of the administration building and the great treat of being allowed to visit the school store to purchase a pencil or writing pad. My brother and I played under granddaddy’s desk, the same desk I use today. I remember discussions about the struggles of transitioning from a junior college to a four year institution and the arduous accreditation process.
Granddaddy Leslie was forced to retire at age 75 and Norman Wiggins was named president, proving to be a splendid leader and fundraiser without equal. My father served on the college board and takes credit for first proposing the idea of a law school. President Wiggins, a former successful trust officer, cautioned that if such an endeavor was to be undertaken it must be done first class or not at all.
Wiggins traveled the state raising enthusiasm and money for the new school. He chose Leary Davis to be founding dean, an outstanding selection. From the first class of 1976 to this day, being known as a Campbell Lawyer is a badge of honor. The school’s graduates are consistently among the top in numbers passing the state bar exam and Campbell Law graduates serve with distinction in upper echelons of government, business and the legal profession. My own daughter, Lisa, is numbered among them.
So what would my great-grandfather and grandfather have to say about the Campbell Law School moving to Raleigh? As some have previously noted, Jim Arch would still be upset students don’t begin their day with calisthenics and P. Leslie, as my grandfather was known, would be worried that chapel is no longer mandatory; both would be saddened that the school was leaving its Harnett County roots, but I suspect they would understand the reasons for the move. They would no doubt give thanks to all who have taught at Campbell, to the Pope family, the A. J. Fletcher Foundation and other generous benefactors who made the new 100,000 square foot Law School facility possible.
Mostly, I believe the founder and his son would marvel at not only the School of Law, but the School of Education, the Pharmacy School, the new Divinity School and all the other outstanding offerings and take pride in the educational opportunities that have been afforded tens of thousands. As Winston Pearce so ably wrote in his book about Campbell, it has indeed been a “Big Miracle at Little Buies Creek.” |
|
