One of Presbyterian College’s most beloved former professors has passed away.

Associate Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Paul Campbell, who served on the college’s faculty from 1961 to 2007, died on Jan. 1 in Piedmont. He was 87.

His remarkable 46-year tenure at PC is remembered not merely for his mathematical acumen and teaching prowess but most importantly for the care he gave his students.

Paul Campbell
Associate Professor Emeritus of Mathematics

“I still remember one day, while walking with him to lunch, a group of students saw him from quite a distance, shouted ‘Campbell!’ at the top of their lungs, and ran across the field in front of GDH to high-five him,” said departmental colleague Dr. Kara Shavo. “They really loved him!”

Recently-retired math professor Dr. Brian Beasley served with Campbell for nearly two decades and recalls the impact his colleague had on him and others.

“Paul was a quiet but good mentor to me, and when I arrived in 1988, I was indeed impressed that he had been at PC longer than I had been alive,” Beasley said. “He had an unwavering commitment to his students and one of his favorite expressions when a student came by with questions was, ‘Come on in the house.’

“Paul was a talented and brilliant mathematician, yet he always remained modest and approachable. It was truly a privilege to work with him for almost 20 years.”

Fellow math professor Dr. Doug Daniel reflected on the personal side of working alongside Campbell.

“I always cherished those days that he would wander over to my office just to chat,” Daniel said. “I always seemed to get a humorous and informative story during those chats.

“Perhaps what Paul impressed most on me was that in an era of self-promotion in higher ed, he just showed up to work with his lunch pail and did his job. In fact, to paraphrase one very memorable self-assessment, he taught his classes and tried his best. We should all be so dedicated to our jobs.”

A native of Greenville, Campbell earned his bachelor’s degree from Furman University and a master’s degree from Clemson University. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Lindy Lou Boyce Campbell, and two sons – Paul Ellis Campbell, Jr. and William Edgar Campbell. He survived by his daughter, Melody Campbell Kennedy of Raleigh, N.C., and son, Rex Wesley Campbell of Clinton. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Campbell will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton. The family will received friends prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.