Carmen Starkson Campbell

College of Education and Human Development, October 5, 2016

Carmen Starkson Campbell, received a bachelor of science degree in teaching (1964) from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota. She worked as a kindergarten teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools for 10 years. She is described as an advocate who gives of her time and talents to improve the community. Her belief that all children deserve to succeed was a factor in her decision to establish the Campus Leadership Chair in Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota in 2006, which supports a faculty member working to reduce the achievement gap and promote educational equity. As a result of her vision for the importance of this work, the University will be hosting the first-ever international educational equity convening conference in June 2016. To support future teachers and ensure access to higher education, she created the Campbell Scholarship Fund for Education. This scholarship has helped almost 40 undergraduates since it was established in 2010. She and her husband, Jim Campbell, have given generously to other areas across the University, including establishing a scholarship for students in the Marching Band, a scholarship for students at the University of Minnesota Rochester, and a scholarship and a dean’s support fund in the Carlson School of Management. Campbell served on the Dean’s Advisory Council, and is currently the honorary co-chair of the college’s fundraising campaign, “Improving Lives.” In addition, Campbell has worked on behalf of many organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Minnesota Arboretum, Mayo Clinic, Children’s Home Society, Cornerstone, and the Minnesota Orchestra. She is the recipient of several honors and awards, including the CEHD’s 100 Distinguished Alumni Award (2007). Campbell is a Joint Full Life Member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and a President’s Club member.