Campbell began his career at the Iliff School of Theology, where he worked as a cataloger and later as director of technical services. He also contributed to early library automation efforts.[1]
He served as director of the Bridwell Library at Southern Methodist University from 1980 to 1985. In 1985 he joined Duke University as Vice Provost for Library Affairs and University Librarian, later also serving as Vice Provost for Computing. During this period he published several journal articles addressing library budgeting and reference services, including “Shaking the Conceptual Foundations of Reference” (1992).[1]
Campbell became Dean of University Libraries at the University of Southern California in 1996 and subsequently served as Chief Information Officer and University Librarian.[1][2] During his tenure at USC he oversaw a $17 million renovation of the Doheny Library.
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In 2006 he was appointed President of the Claremont School of Theology (CST).[5] He has stated that his experience managing technological change, faculty relationships, and limited financial resources in libraries prepared him for university administration.[1] News reports at the time indicated that CST was under pressure from low enrollment, strained finances, and accreditation troubles, and that Campbell was hired as president to find a way to solve all of those problems.[6][7]
In the years following Campbell's appointment as president of Claremont School of Theology, he and the Board of Trustees planned to expand the school into a multifaith university,[7][8] which eventually became Claremont Lincoln University. Campbell became president of CLU in 2011, the year that its name was unveiled and students started attending classes.[9]
In 2013, Campbell retired from the presidency of both Claremont Graduate School and Claremont Lincoln University, citing health issues.[10]