Dear NEOMED Community:
It is with deep sadness that I must share with you the passing of Colin Campbell, M.D., on Dec. 1, 2019. Dr. Campbell had been receiving hospice care at his home in Memphis, where he died peacefully at 92.
Dr. Campbell served as the third leader of NEOMED (formerly NEOUCOM) from February 1983 to June 1992. Initially named provost and dean, Dr. Campbell became the first to carry the “official” title of president and dean in 1990.
Hailing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he served as dean of the School of Primary Medical Care and director of medical affairs, Dr. Campbell was well-prepared to lead our small, community-based college. He brought stability and sound financial management, announcing as his first priority the management “of the limited resources of the College to provide quality education for the students.”
From campus additions and expansions of labs and halls to academic support and maintenance facilities, Dr. Campbell’s leadership was pivotal to much success and growth at NEOMED. Perhaps his most significant contribution was his role in establishing a new state budget line item called “clinical teaching subsidy” ― Dr. Campbell and others made a persuasive argument to the Ohio House that schools which use community hospitals served multiple purposes and that decentralizing medical education was a sound mechanism for improving health care throughout the state.
New medical schools had been receiving just $100,000 in yearly state-funded clinical teaching support. With the passing of the Bill, NEOMED would beginning receiving more than $3 million for its clinical teaching support.
Dr. Campbell would later say, “That was the most important thing I did for NEOUCOM.”
Many traditions also began during Dr. Campbell’s tenure including the establishment of the Zeta chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society in April 1983 and the presentation of the Oath of Hippocrates, which first occurred at the 1986 commencement ― on a suggestion by his wife Catherine.
In June 1992, Dr. Campbell retired.
With appreciation for his many contributions, the atrium outside the Meshel Hall was dedicated as the Colin Campbell, M.D. Atrium on April 25, 1997.
Dr. Campbell completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and his medical degree at McGill University. Passionate about excellence in medical education, he also completed a graduate degree in Medical Education at Temple University. He was a longtime practicing obstetrician and gynecologist, and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology. His storied career includes time as assistant dean and associate dean at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Dr. Campbell was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Catherine. He is survived by a loving family, including daughters Catherine Umland (Peter) and Janet Kingsland Kemperman (Vince); son, Philip Campbell (Karen); and grandchildren Anna Umland, Abigail Umland, Christopher Kemperman, Kyle Kemperman, Katie Kemperman, Cameron Kemperman and MacKenzie Campbell.
The loss of Dr. Campbell is felt by the entire University as well as by so many others whose lives he touched.
Service details will be provided in The Pulse as they become available.
Sincerely,
John Langell
President