Phillip L. Melvin is an Asian area specialist who is currently teaching at Campbell as an adjunct.  Prior to coming to Campbell in February 1983, he retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years service as a pilot, operations officer, flight safety officer and intelligence officer.  He retired from Campbell effective June 1, 2000 after an additional 18 ½ years as dean of men and dean of student life.

Mr. Melvin was born in Evanston, Ill on November 30, 1935. He moved with his family to Silver Springs, Md., just prior to World War II and attended public school in Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties. Mr. Melvin’s educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Maryland in History and an M.A. in Asian Studies from Florida State University.  While on active duty in the Air Force he spent six years in Japan, one year in Thailand, one year in Vietnam and traveled extensively East and Southeast Asia.  

Mr. Melvin is married to the former June Celia Johnson, a native of Buies Creek. They have two sons, four grandsons and two granddaughters. He has been a member of the Buies Creek First Baptist Church since 1983 and has served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and Sunday School Director. He is currently president of the Buies Creek Lions Club and sponsored the founding of the Campbell University Lions Club.