Mike Campbell ’08 is a Columbia College Day Program alumnus who lives in Columbia, Missouri.
Campbell is the managing partner of Thomas Law Offices in Missouri where he focuses his practice on representing individuals affected by nursing home abuse, medical negligence and insurance denials. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
He is a member of the Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council, and he and his wife, Bethany, are members of the Columbia College President’s Society.
Get to know Campbell in a Q&A with CC Connected below!
What originally drew you to Columbia College?
I graduated from high school because of the time and individual attention I received from teachers who truly cared about me and wouldn’t let me fail. After graduation, the idea of attending a large college scared me a bit because I thought I would get swallowed up and needed the chance to work with my professors directly. Columbia College fit the bill because of its class size and the ability to have one-on-one time with professors.
How would you describe your experience as a student here?
I had what can only be described as a true “educational experience.” I flourished at Columbia College because my professors believed in me, worked with me, and wanted me to succeed. I truly felt like my success was their success. The ethics requirement forced me into philosophy classes, which then led me to becoming a Philosophy major. I literally went from the bottom of my high school class to graduating with honors from Columbia College and getting to wear those fancy tassels over my graduation gown. I attribute that success directly to people like Dr. Terry Smith (Dean of Admissions at the time) who took a chance on a kid with a poor high school transcript, and also to professors like Dr. Mark Price, Dr. Tony Alioto, Dr. Brian Kessel and Dr. David Roebuck, who challenged me every step of the way to be a better student and person.
Can you share a bit about your career journey since graduating from CC?
After graduating from Columbia College I attended and graduated from law school at the University of Missouri. After law school, I practiced in a variety of areas, started a number of businesses, and eventually joined as a partner with a nationwide Plaintiff’s firm where I have the privilege to work with amazing people and have the opportunity to try and make the world a better place.
What inspired you to join the CCAA Advisory Council?
Columbia College altered the trajectory of my life. I want to do everything I can to make sure the same type of experience I had at CC is available to every potential student who attends here. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the opportunities provided to me by Columbia College.
What does being a graduate of Columbia College mean to you?
When I was in college, I did a legislative practicum and saw students from other colleges at the Capitol proudly declaring where they went to school. I had a lot of pride about attending Columbia College, so I asked somebody at the College if I could have a lapel pin with Rogers Gate on it (logo at the time) that I could wear. I wore that pin while I was at the Capitol and when I went to legislative events because I wanted people to know what Columbia College meant to me. Even though I don’t wear the pin anymore, I carry the same pride about Columbia College everywhere I go.
What keeps you busy in your free time?
I was told you don’t have “free time” when you have kids. I’ve come to learn that’s very, very true.
