"I find it rewarding to take 'rough diamonds' and make them sparkle!" said Dr. Betty Campbell as she summarized her 35 years teaching music at Judson College.
Campbell believes she must help students perform at their greatest capacity, but that music is also a medium for helping students develop healthy self-esteem. "I give my students as much time as they need in preparation for their performances," she said, "and I love to see them feeling good about their work. "I call it 'finding their niche,'" she said. "Some students have gone into church music, some into public school music instruction and some into opera and the concert stage. But, there are also those who are mothers and homemakers who use their musical gifts in the church and community. Music helped them all find their place in God's order of things."
Campbell noted that, interestingly, a number of science majors at Judson have minored in music or sung in the choir. "Many students have made music their 'companion career' and it's given them great fulfillment," she said.
Campbell grew up as Betty Smith in Laurel, Miss.—the daughter of a Southern Baptist minister. After high school, she earned degrees from Louisiana State University, Northwestern University and Columbia University.
It was at LSU that she discovered voice as her major focus in teaching. "I had three elective hours to use as a senior," she said, "so I took voice. I was a piano major, but I loved vocal music! I got my doctorate in higher education with a concentration in vocal performance."
She and her husband, Bracey, moved to Marion in 1976 to teach music and work with the Judson College choir. Dr. Bracey Campbell directed “The Judson Singers” until his death in 1989, and then Dr. Betty Campbell took the helm.
Campbell gave up directorship of “The Judson Singers” in 2000, but remains active by teaching voice at the college and traveling with the choir whenever she can. She travels the world somewhat reluctantly, however, since she’s fearful of flying. “My doctor always gives me something to help me sleep,” she said, “so I get on the plane, go to sleep and wake up overseas ready to go!"
Campbell has also distinguished herself in the local community. The Marion Presbyterian Church recently honored her for 28 years of service as choir master and pianist. "We thank the good Lord every day for Betty Campbell!" said Marion Presbyterian session clerk Rennie Coleman. "She's faithful and professional and a truly outstanding leader in our church."
Campbell also directed the Marion community’s presentation of “The Messiah” for more than 20 years.
Campbell said teaching at Judson has been very rewarding, and the administration's support for the music program has been welcomed. "This helps make Judson a desirable place to work," she said.
Campbell said she hoped she's been a positive influence on the young women she's taught over the years. "I think the life you live before the students is your best mentoring," she said.
Campbell continues her work at Judson though celebrating her 80th birthday in 2007.
She enjoys telling about the former students who hosted a reunion in South Carolina a few years ago. "It was funny that my students at the reunion were all retired, and I'm not!" Campbell said. "I'd like to continue to teach as long as I can do a good job. I love Judson with all my heart, and being around young people has kept me young."
Another way she's kept herself young is by taking martial arts lessons in tae kwon do--and earning a brown belt.
Campbell, known to the Judson community as "the queen," says her pride and joy are her two grandchildren in Bryceville, Fla.: Henry, age 13 and Elizabeth, age 11. She calls them “the prince” and “the princess."
By Michael J. Brooks
