Dague, O’Neal, Watkins named Distinguished Alumni

September 6, 2024

On Oct. 26, Homecoming weekend, the Campbell University Alumni Association will bestow the Distinguished Alumni Award upon three of its graduates. The award is presented to Campbell alumni who have distinguished themselves in their personal and professional career and their support of the University.

Dr. Christopher Dague ('09), Neal O'Neal ('96), and Wanda Watkins ('79, '81) will be receiving the prestigious distinction at a formal dinner and ceremony inside the Oscar N. Harris Student Union. They will join a group of 187 individuals recognized as Distinguished Alumni in the University's 137-year history.

"On behalf of the Alumni Association, I am excited to celebrate and honor these outstanding alumni," said Rebecca Brock ('97, '01), Alumni Board of Directors President. "Each honoree leads with purpose in their respective field and stands out among a multitude of impressive Campbell graduates."

Dr. Christopher Dague ('09)

Dr. Christopher Dague has dedicated two decades to education, enriching the lives of his students and advancing the field. After earning his B.A. in Secondary Education from The University of Akron, he began teaching at Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, NC, where he taught world and European history and became the winningest baseball coach in school history.

His connection with Campbell University began when he pursued an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, graduating with distinction in 2009. He then earned a Ph.D. from NC State University in 2015, focusing on social studies education and motivational psychology, where he developed a deep interest in how authentic educational practices can empower students.

In 2015, Dr. Dague began his career in higher education as an adjunct professor at Campbell University, teaching courses at Fort Bragg, the main campus, and through Adult and Online Education. His dedication earned him the 2023 Faculty Excellence Award for Adult and Online Education at Campbell University.

Dr. Dague transitioned to a full-time role as an assistant professor of teacher and social studies education at The Citadel in 2018, where he continued his research, authored several articles, and played a key role in revising social studies curricula at the state level. In 2023, he earned The Citadel's Innovation in Teaching Award and was promoted to associate professor in 2024.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Dague remains passionate about baseball, coaching at West Ashley High School in Charleston, SC. As interim head coach, he led the Wildcats to a district championship in 2023. His first book, Discussions and Democracy: Motivation, Growth, and the New Social Studies Classroom, was published in 2024, providing practical guidance for social studies teachers and bridging theoretical concepts with real-world classroom applications.

Neal O'Neal ('96)

Neal O'Neal stands as a distinguished leader in both his profession and his community, earning recognition for his unwavering commitment to healthcare and his alma mater. As a third-generation pharmacist, Neal has played an integral role in advancing healthcare services in eastern North Carolina, particularly in the rural areas of Beaufort and Hyde counties.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Neal served on the board of the local hospital in Belhaven before its closure and on the board of directors for Mutual Drug. His leadership and advocacy were instrumental in ensuring that Beaufort and Hyde counties received early access to the COVID-19 vaccine. His efforts demonstrated his dedication to the well-being of his community, and he has been honored with several county-wide awards for his contributions to healthcare.

Neal's impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He and his wife, Helene, a family nurse practitioner, have become pillars of healthcare in their region, particularly after the closure of the Belhaven hospital. Their combined efforts in running local pharmacies and Helene's practice provide essential healthcare services to their community, embodying the values of service and care that Campbell University seeks to instill in its graduates.

As an alumnus, Neal's commitment to Campbell University is equally commendable. He has actively participated on the CPHS Alumni Board, Dean's Advisory Council for the School of Pharmacy & College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS), and the Pharmacy Advisory Council. His contributions as a member of the Presidential Board of Advisors at Campbell have furthered the university's mission. Neal and Helene are also among the top donors to CPHS, having established an endowed scholarship to support pharmacy students from their home county or eastern North Carolina.

Wanda Watkins ('79, '81)

Wanda Watkins retired in May 2024 having served as the winningest coach in Campbell women's basketball history and an executive administrator in the Athletics Department. She was the first female scholar athlete at Campbell and is a legend in the Camel community.

In November 2023, in recognition of nearly a half century of service, Campbell University dedicated the playing surface at the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center / Gilbert Craig Gore Arena in honor of Coach Watkins.

Watkins became the Fighting Camels' first female scholarship athlete when she enrolled at Campbell College in the fall of 1975 and played both basketball and softball. Over the last 49-plus years, she has witnessed the growth of the institution to university status, the athletic program's move from the NAIA to the NCAA Division I level and the emergence of women's athletics on the national and world stage.

She served as captain of the basketball team as a senior and captained the softball team for three years. Despite suffering an injury in her final season, Watkins was named MVP of the 1978-79 team and selected as Campbell's Outstanding Female Athlete.

Following graduation in 1979, she served under Betty Jo Clary as assistant coach in 1979-80, then was promoted to Campbell's first women's basketball full-time assistant in '80-81. When Clary decided to step away from coaching, Watkins was hired by Athletic Director Wendell Carr as head coach in the summer of 1981 - just two years after finishing her undergrad.

Watkins retired in 2016 as the 29th-winningest head coach in NCAA Division I women's basketball at 549-443 and was one of 14 active coaches in Division I to serve 30-plus years at the same institution. She finished her 35-year tenure with 10 Division I conference championship game appearances (six in the Big South and four in the ASUN) and won two tournament titles. Her 2000 squad clinched the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth after winning the ASUN championship and advanced to play at Duke in March Madness.

Nominations for Distinguished Alumni can be submitted throughout the year by anyone. In the spring, the Alumni Association Board of Directors Recognition Committee reviews nominations, narrows its list, and presents finalists to the full board for approval. The full Alumni Board of Directors votes on nominees during its summer meeting.

The Alumni Association welcomes guests to join in the celebration of these honorees at the Oscar N. Harris Student Union on Oct. 25. The Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Registration will open shortly.

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