Columbus State University Names Shannon Campbell as New Provost

By Janell Williams

Columbus State University has announced the appointment of Shannon B. Campbell, Ph.D., as its new provost, executive vice president and chief academic officer.

Currently, Campbell serves as Dean of Fine and Applied Arts at Appalachian State University. She will assume her new role on Jan. 21, 2025.

In her position as a senior university leader and member of CSU President Stuart Rayfield’s Executive Leadership Team, Campbell will oversee the university’s $54.7 million Academic Affairs budget and lead a team of more than 450 faculty and staff.

Her responsibilities will span the university’s academic programs, student success initiatives, research and outreach centers and faculty development efforts.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Campbell to Columbus State at such an exciting time,” Rayfield said. “Her impressive background—especially in developing creative academic programs and stackable credentials—will help us continue to reshape our students’ education experience. We want to be a destination of choice where students can excel, grow as individuals and launch successful careers after graduation.”

Campbell’s leadership will include realigning the university’s core curriculum to match the career competencies sought by employers. This initiative supports the University System of Georgia’s goals to enhance graduates’ skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution. The adjustments aim to improve employability, align education with workforce needs, and strengthen Georgia’s labor market.

Additionally, Campbell will spearhead efforts outlined in CSU’s five-year strategic plan, launched earlier this year. Priorities include boosting student retention rates to 85 percent and undergraduate graduation rates to 60 percent by 2030.

Strategies to achieve these goals include establishing a new student success infrastructure, enhanced academic advising, and stronger connections between students’ majors and career pathways.

About Shannon B. Campbell Ph.D.

With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, Campbell has held tenure-track faculty roles and leadership positions at departmental, college and university levels.

At Appalachian State, she oversees a college of 3,500 students, 475 employees, and a $49 million budget across seven academic departments. Her academic expertise lies in public relations, communication and marketing, informed by extensive corporate and consulting experience.

Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree in communication management from Missouri State University, a master’s in organizational communication from the University of Southern Illinois, and a doctorate in marketing communication and media studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

“I’m most excited about joining the leadership team at Columbus State University because of the close alignment between the university’s stated mission, vision and values and my own,” Campbell said. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and students to identify opportunities and implement systems of support for all.”

Campbell’s arrival marks a significant step forward for CSU as it continues its mission to enhance academic excellence and student success.