Tom Campbell’s journey to The University of Alabama was not without road bumps. When he was in middle school visiting an ailing family member, the smell of the Tuscaloosa paper mill was enough to make him physically ill. It was not until he received confirmation of its closure that he returned to the university, where he immediately fell in love with its lively atmosphere and array of opportunities. Traveling from his hometown of Florence, he found a home at UA, becoming Student Government Association (SGA) President and serving in numerous other student organizations.
It was through the SGA that Tom learned of the Blackburn Institute. Gordon Martin, a member of the Blackburn Society and a former Advisory Board member, was his predecessor in the presidency. The two discussed how The Capstone would be honoring Dr. Blackburn’s legacy, and Tom’s interest was immediately piqued. For all of his involvement during his undergraduate years, he felt a dearth of intergenerational mentorship that was specifically tailored to answer his questions of what came post-college. Two years after graduating with a B.S. in business, he embarked on his next journey: The University of Alabama School of Law. His love for Alabama and the people within it only affirmed his decision to come back home. Today, Tom sits as the founder and principal of Campbell Law PC, a boutique litigation firm specializing in addressing illegal employment practices, large business fraud, and more. His work has led to him being known by his clients, colleagues, and community as Termite Tom.
As aforementioned, mentorship has always been a pillar in Tom’s life, regardless of if he sits in the relationship as mentor or mentee. With his children reaching college age, and one of them at UA, he knew that they would be embarking on their own paths forward, and the influence of their peers and mentors alike would be pivotal to where their roads led. Thus, his desire to pay it forward and help students at similar phases of life to his children led him back to the Blackburn Institute via the Advisory Board. The Institute’s emphasis on uplifting the next generation of ethical leaders, doing so through an immersive, hands-on curriculum and intergenerational networking, consistently stands out for Tom. Witnessing his peers on the Advisory Board operate through a service-oriented lens inspires him daily to be a better mentor to his family and community. His Blackburn favorite event is Symposium, and he looks forward to meeting more students and learning alongside them this August.
One message he would deliver to Blackburn students, including both current and prospective, is to become comfortable with the possibility of imperfection. The best leaders will not be without fault, and their mistakes will still be present through their greatest achievements. The only way to move forward is through, and the best way to learn is by the act of doing. While intentional planning and thought cannot be overlooked, talking oneself into stagnation will never yield the desired result. Trust yourself and never be afraid to get back up even after stumbling a bit. His encouragement to the Blackburn community aligns well with his favorite guiding quote: “Trust God, keep your side of the street clean, and help others.”