Frances Reeve & Carrie Campbell ’12

When Carrie Campbell ’12 first entered the School Library Media program, she was already juggling her family—which included two small children—and a full-time teaching position.

“I had the crazy notion that then was as good a time as any to start another new adventure,” said Campbell. “I was right—thanks to Professor Frances Reeve and program coordinator Dr. Audrey Church. I often submitted assignments late into the night, after most sensible people were in bed, because I had to wait until my children were asleep to focus on my work. But I completed every one and maintained a 4.0 average.”

Campbell said Reeve made her graduate school experience especially satisfying, noting she is kind and fair. She believes in her students and will do everything she can to help them shine, Campbell added.

“I admire her because she’s not at all afraid to say what she thinks or stand up for what she believes in. To me, these are the most important characteristics of an educator,” Campbell said. “Here she is this college professor, but she talks to you like she’s your lifelong friend—which she is now. She’s like a member of my family.”

Today Campbell works as a high-school librarian in Virginia’s Charlotte County.  At the invitation of Reeve, she also serves as chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee for the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VASL). Reeve is currently the association’s president.

Professor Reeve notes that Longwood’s advising guidelines state that professors will advise “to the end of time.” With Campbell, she said, it’s been a particular pleasure to have their relationship change from that of instructor and student to colleagues.