Get to know Emily Campbell: Fun facts and more
VCU Alumni expanded its team this past fall with the addition of a new role: the alumni engagement officer. With six AEOs onboard, they’re now busy planning and executing dynamic programming for VCU’s colleges and schools, all geared toward boosting alumni involvement and support.
Emily Campbell (M.A.’15), a graduate of the art history department, returns to VCU as the alumni engagement officer for the School of the Arts. She comes to the university from Colonial Williamsburg, where she worked in architectural preservation to care for the historic buildings. Read on as she gives us a glimpse into who she is beyond her CV.
What’s your superpower?
Falling asleep almost immediately in any moving vehicle. I suppose it can be a superpower and my personal kryptonite, and it has resulted in so many embarrassing photos.
What’s your hidden talent?
The painters at Colonial Williamsburg taught me techniques to paint trim and architectural moldings without taping. It has really bolstered my DIY skills, and I painted out all the 1970s cabinetry in my kitchen!
What would you do if you weren’t an alumni engagement officer?
I was working as an architectural preservationist before returning to my alma mater to work with alumni, so I would probably go back to advocating for the preservation of historic structures and architectural research.
What’s the most important item on your bucket list (if you have a bucket list)?
To publish my research on 19th century American art pottery. When I was a graduate student at VCU, my advisor, Dr. Charles Brownell, introduced me to the curiosities and charms of aesthetic movement ceramics. It is incredibly important to me to share the discoveries that he and I made together and to continue his and Louise Brownell’s legacy in the study of ceramic arts.
What was your favorite subject in school?
I loved science growing up, especially chemistry, and seriously considered pursuing art conservation, which is a fascinating blend of art and scientific study.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have never been to the West Coast! I have family in Oregon and Idaho, so I definitely want to explore the region. We are working toward having an alumni event in Los Angeles so perhaps I will make it out there soon.
What book character do you most identify with?
Definitely Claudia from “The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.” While I never attempted to run away from home, the Worsham-Rockefeller bedroom at the VMFA would be an irresistible accommodation. Like Claudia, I felt at home in museums from a young age and loved the labyrinth of rooms with new discoveries around every corner. I also identify with her curiosity, and I have spent much of my early career deciphering “mixed-up” files!
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
I find water to be incredibly relaxing. Beaches are my happy place, and I grew up swimming competitively. I will still go swim laps when I need to unwind.
What’s your favorite local restaurant/food truck/brewery?
I have not lived in the Richmond area for about eight years, and so much has changed in that time. Kuba Kuba has been a favorite since grad school, and I am excited to discover some new spots.
What is your top priority for engaging alumni?
Networking! There are VCUarts alumni doing incredible things all over the globe, and I want the alumni network to be a professional and social resource. My favorite thing about working in the arts has been building relationships with people who share my interests. It is a great support system.
What RVA food spot would recommend Emily check out? Or do you want to learn more about how you can connect with the School of the Arts? Email her at campbelleg@vcu.edu.