Honoring a lifetime of generosity: Jimmy ('79) and Cathy Campbell Recieve Hall of Fame Award

“I remember us having a discussion about individuals and companies, and that companies have a responsibility to put back in what they’ve taken out, and that’s what Cathy and I have tried to do.”

When Jimmy and Cathy Campbell got the call that they were being inducted into the College of Business Hall of Fame, they didn’t believe it was real.

“When Harry (Dombroski) called, it was quite a surprise. At first I thought, ‘Oh, he’s just joking, this isn’t real,” Jimmy said. “It didn’t take very long to realize that it wasn’t a joke.”

His shock stemmed from the belief which he and Cathy embrace that giving back is “something that you’re really supposed to do anyway.”

“You think about the words ‘not worthy,’” Jimmy (MBA, 1979) said. “There’s a lot of people that do a lot of great things, and for us to be chosen was quite a surprise.”

That humility has defined the Campbells' approach to philanthropy and community service throughout their lives. Jimmy and Cathy have been lifelong residents of Cleburne, Texas, having met in the first grade. Both graduated from Cleburne High School, and as their careers flourished, it felt natural to give back to the community that had given so much to them. 

“I thought back on a course that I had in graduate school, and I remember us having a discussion about individuals and companies, and that companies have a responsibility to put back in what they’ve taken out, and that’s what Cathy and I have tried to do,” Jimmy said. “It’s just something we felt like we needed to do.”

The Campbells have spent decades advocating for and supporting the Cleburne community through organizations like the Children’s Advocacy Center, King’s Daughters, local churches, the Chamber of Commerce and food banks. Their commitment to service extends to UTA through the scholarship they established for Cleburne students.

“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed personally. It’s not just about success,” Cathy said. “It helps me to be more social and get out with people and work with them. I wish more people would take part.”

Jimmy and Cathy Campbell pose for a photo. Photo by Ellman Photography.

Since the creation of the Jimmy and Cathy Campbell Endowed Scholarship Fund, the gift has helped numerous students earn degrees from UTA, including London Walker, who recently completed his MBA last spring. The gift provides four-year, half-tuition scholarships to students who are in the top 10% of Cleburne High School’s graduating class and are pursuing a business degree at UTA. 

“I remember London came walking in the door, and he walked straight to our table (at Cleburne High’s College Day), and he knew then that he wanted our scholarship and go to UTA,” Jimmy said. “It made us feel good to be invited by London to go to his graduation this year and watch him walk across the stage.”

For the Campbells, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is an opportunity to invest in young people and help them achieve goals that might otherwise be out of reach. Cathy noted that several recipients relied on the scholarship to make college affordable, including students who balanced financial challenges while pursuing their degrees.

“The kids are all so grateful, and they’ve all done well in finding jobs,” Cathy said. 

Their passion for helping students succeed can be traced back to Jimmy's own experience as a young student. He credits his high school math teacher with recognizing his potential and encouraging him to pursue opportunities. When Jimmy considered abandoning a promising career path, his teacher pushed him to attend an interview at a local bank, a decision that ultimately launched a 46-year career in banking.

"He didn't do it for notoriety," Cathy said of Jimmy’s former teacher. "He saw that talent and that drive in those kids."

The example left a lasting impression. Jimmy and Cathy have spent years investing in others through mentorship, volunteer service and philanthropy.

That commitment continues even after scholarship recipients graduate. The Campbells often remind students that success comes with a responsibility to help others.

"We tell every one of them now that they're through and they're working, it's their turn," Jimmy said.

It is a philosophy that has guided the Campbells throughout their lives. While they remain humbled by their induction into the College of Business Hall of Fame, they hope their legacy will not be defined by awards or recognition, but by the people they have helped along the way.

"You don't do it for fame or notoriety or recognition," Jimmy said. "It's just the right thing to do."