Campbell Keele, coordinator of transfer initiatives in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center, has been selected as a recipient of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS) “Transfer Champion-Rising Star Award.” This national award is only awarded to four recipients a year. According to NISTS, “the Rising Star Award recognizes professionals who are making important contributions but are relatively new to the transfer field.”

Campbell attended Missouri State University as a transfer student after receiving an associate degree in business administration at Three Rivers Community College. At Missouri State, she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s degree in business administration, and then began her professional career as an academic advisor in 2019. As coordinator, Campbell advises undeclared and Bachelor of General Studies transfer students, chairs the University-wide Transfer Advising Committee, serves as a partner for the Transfer Bears Living Learning Community, offers professional development related to transfer advising, and serves as a point of contact with advising professionals from two-year institutions. In 2022, she planned and implemented the first Transfer Student Week at Missouri State with great success. Partnering with various university offices and resources, she executed multiple events specifically for transfer students as well as a social media campaign spotlighting transfer students throughout the week.

Ross Hawkins, director of the Academic Advising and Transfer Center and Campbell’s supervisor stated, “I have been thoroughly impressed by her commitment to the field of academic advising and the passion she has demonstrated specifically towards advising transfer students. Her energy and enthusiasm to serve students and colleagues is contagious. Campbell is one of the most visible and respected staff members at the University regarding transfer student advocacy.”

Campbell will be recognized at the 2024 NISTS Conference in St. Louis in February for this achievement.