She started her professional career in Richland One in 1998 as a school counselor at Bradley Elementary School, working there for 14 years.
Dr. Campbell then served as an assistant principal at Brennen Elementary School for six years. She says her background as a school counselor benefited her when she made the transition to administration.
“I had that therapeutic background, that listening ear and helped students change mindsets. I felt like those skills that I had really helped me with being an administrator,” said Dr. Campbell.
When it was time for Dr. Campbell to take the leap and become a principal, she said the time she worked under Brennen’s then-principal prepared her.
“I believe that moving from assistant principal to principal was not that hard with all of the support that I had,” said Dr. Campbell.
Despite starting at Burnside in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Campbell says the staff and community welcomed her with open arms.
“I noticed from day one that this school was such a
family. I wanted to continue cultivating that family,” she said. “Our team and I have cultivated such a family-oriented atmosphere where our students can thrive, grow and strive.”
Since becoming principal, Dr. Campbell says her students have been able to grow not just academically, but also mentally and socially. One life lesson she says the older students learn about is accountability. As the students learn about accountability, Dr. Campbell says they hold her accountable for her health.
“Sometimes, the students will ask me ‘Dr. Campbell, did you drink your water?’ or say ‘Dr. Campbell, I don’t see you stepping.’ I, in turn, ask them about their goals,” she said.
Dr. Campbell says the mental health of her staff is just as important for her to check on as their physical health. She says she’ll often share ways her staff can relax and be balanced.
“I want our staff to be okay for their families. I want them to have some energy
and mental space left for their families and for themselves. I make sure Burnside is a safe and nurturing place for our staff,” said Dr. Campbell.
In return, Dr. Campbell says her staff is making sure to support her every day. She says they especially supported her while she was working towards her doctorate, which earned from South Carolina State in 2023.
“My staff was asking me ‘What chapter are you on?’ and ‘How can I take something off of your plate?’ The staff does it all of the time. They really pour into me,” said Dr. Campbell.
She says the most memorable moments for her as principal are when she’s stepping through the halls with her standing desk, going from classroom to classroom, and hearing staff members ask her how she’s doing and what they can do to help her.
Because the staff and students know that every step Dr. Campbell takes in a hallway or classroom lets them know that they matter.
