J. Bradley “Brad” Creed, Ph.D., began his duties as Campbell University’s fifth president on July 1, 2015. Previously, Creed was the Provost and Executive Vice President and Professor of Religion at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Prior to joining Samford in 2001, Creed was a Professor of Christian History, Associate Dean, and Dean at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He also served as the Scholar in Residence at the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C., and a visiting Professor of Church History at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Falls Church, Virginia. 

During Creed’s tenure as president, Campbell University has initiated a new strategic plan and launched a capital campaign focusing on student scholarships and constructing a $40 million student union building, the largest capital project in the history of the University. In the last five years, Campbell University has graduated its first classes in Master of Physician Assistant Practice, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nursing, Master of Public Health and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. The University recently launched a new School of Engineering and, building on its legacy of service, has developed strategic initiatives for rural, small-town, and underserved areas of North Carolina and beyond. 

A Jacksonville, Texas, native, Creed received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Baylor University. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a frequent speaker for universities, civic organizations, and churches. Creed is also the author of several published works and articles on religion, ethics, education, and history which have appeared in journals, magazines, and books. 

Creed currently serves on the boards of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU).