Dr. James Ellerbe to retire

     Dr. James Ellerbe, Campbell University’s vice president for Business and Treasurer, will retire on May 31, ending a long and distinguished career in education. The announcement was made Thursday, April 28, at a meeting of the University’s Board of Trustees.
     Prior to coming to Campbell in 1993, Dr. Ellerbe served 11 years as Superintendent of the Johnston County School System and held several positions in the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges, including interim presidencies at Vance-Granville Community College and Brunswick Technical College. He is also a former chairman of the North Carolina Textbook Commission and served as director of the North Carolina School Boards Association.
     In commenting on Dr. Ellerbe’s retirement, Campbell President Jerry M. Wallace was quick to praise him for his years of capable and devoted service. He said, “In the latter stages of an already successful career, James Ellerbe poured his heart and soul into the purposes of this university. We shall always appreciate his good friendship and his outstanding leadership of the business operations here at Campbell.”
     During his tenure at Campbell, Dr. Ellerbe helped guide the university through a number of significant additions, including the establishment of the Campbell Divinity School, the construction of new buildings for business, pharmacy research and athletics, the completion of the Keith Hills II golf course and the renovation of the historic D. Rich Memorial Building. His experienced leadership as general secretary for Campbell’s Board of Trustees was also keenly felt.
     Dr. Ellerbe’s professional preparation began at East Carolina College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in social studies. He earned masters and doctoral degrees in education from North Carolina State University. In addition, he attended the U.S. Army Finance School and completed a management development program with Nationwide Insurance Company.
     “The 12 years I’ve spent at Campbell University have been the highlight of my diversified career,” Dr. Ellerbe said. “To have been here under the leadership of my good friends Dr. Jerry M. Wallace and Dr. Norman A. Wiggins has been a special blessing to me. To have experienced and been a part of not only the growth in enrollment and facilities, but also the growth in prestige that this University has achieved in higher education is especially gratifying.”
     He is married to the former Helen Austin. They are the parents of two children and they have four grandchildren.

Bulletin 0108-5/02/05