Meet Thomas W. Campbell
For nine years, Thomas “Tom” Campbell has served on the West Virginia Board of Education. He said during his time on the State Board, he’s had the chance working with others to effect much positive change.
“(My favorite parts of serving on the board) are promoting relationship-building over heavy-handed regulation and promoting a culture of collaboration.”
Vice President Campbell comes from a family of many teachers with a strong personal and professional background in education. Growing up in West Virginia’s public school system, he has seen the inner workings of the education community long before serving on the board. He said he wished West Virginians realized the amount of time dedicated to serving the board outside of public meetings as well as the high-quality of members on the board.
Vice President Campbell is a 15-year veteran of the Read Aloud West Virginia Program at Ronceverte Elementary School in Greenbrier County. As a youngster, he earned the prestigious Golden Horseshoe award, given to eighth-grade students from across West Virginia for outstanding knowledge of West Virginia history and culture.
A resident of Lewisburg in Greenbrier County, Campbell is a certified public accountant. He said the Lewisburg community has a strong tradition in history, arts, culture, and education. Additionally, Campbell is a member of the Lewisburg Rotary, Lewisburg Elks Lodge, the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served as the Chair of the Education Committee for the West Virginia House of Delegates. He represents West Virginia on the Southern Regional Education Board, where he has served as vice chairman of the Legislative Advisory Council.
Getting To Know Vice President Campbell
Academic Background: Vice President Campbell attended West Virginia schools for Grades 1-12 including Lewisburg Elementary School, Lewisburg Junior High School and Greenbrier East High School. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Virginia University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Professional Background: Vice President Campbell was appointed to the State Board of Education in December 2012 by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and in December 2021 by Gov. Jim Justice. He came to the board after 16 years in the House of Delegates, where he had most recently served as the vice chairman of the House Finance Committee and also worked on the finance education subcommittee. His legislative service included chair of the Committee on Political Subdivisions, Committee on Pensions and Retirement, Committee on Technology and the Joint Committee on Technology. He also has served on the Lewisburg City Council and participated in the University of Virginia Program of Emerging Political Leaders.
- Favorite Subject(s): English/Speech and Debate
Favorite Hobbies: “Dogs are an important part of our families. I also enjoy bicycle riding, walking, strength training, golf and tennis.”