Sean Campbell
A beloved Computer Science teacher, devoted Wentworth dorm faculty and advisor for WPEA, Sean Campbell has made his mark on campus, leaving an impression on many students and faculty with his enthusiasm.
Campbell’s love of Computer Science first began when his father introduced him to computers, something which continued as he pursued the subject through college. There, he also discovered his passion for teaching. “I eventually decided to give teaching a try at least for a year to see if I liked it, and that was enough. I was convinced I didn't want to do anything else,” he said.
As a teacher, Campbell enjoys instructing students in a variety of Computer Science topics and levels. “It's cool here because there are a lot of kids that [have] studied Computer Science even before they came here,” he said. Currently, Campbell is teaching the advanced 590 course on encryption.
However, Campbell is also devoted to helping his beginner students learn the basics of Computer Science. “I think what I really enjoy teaching is people who have never done any Computer Science before [and] finding ways to make it accessible for people who maybe have never done it before,” Campbell said.
Senior Anna Clark appreciated Campbell’s warm teaching style. “[Although] Computer Science was not my strong suit, Mr. Campbell was always available to help me outside of class and introduced new topics in class in clever ways that made them feel more approachable,” Clark said.
John Blackwell, also an advisor to WPEA and the Director of Grainger Observatory, appreciates the energy in Campbell’s classes. “I have had the privilege of sharing a classroom with him: me teaching astronomy and him teaching Computer Science.” said Blackwell. “His animated and dynamic classroom atmosphere make comp-sci both challenging and fun.”
Outside of his classroom, Campbell enjoys spending time with his family, especially going on family bike rides. He also enjoys listening to music and is involved in the Exeter community as one of the advisors of WPEA. Campbell’s first experience with a radio station was not at Exeter, though; he was once a DJ with a show that played rap and Southern music.
Fellow advisor to WPEA, Kelly McGahie, appreciates the different qualities Campbell brings to the radio station. “He’s very student-focused. He’s clear about what his role is with students. [He is] really mindful of hearing everybody’s input on a situation,” she said. “But there are times where I’ve seen him very clearly saying, ‘Oh, we need to move in this direction.’ So, everyone feels included and everyone feels heard.”
Campbell’s student-focused nature has served him well as the dorm head of Wentworth Hall. Many members of Wentworth recall Campbell’s caring nature as he talked to them about their concerns, both academic and personal. “He always helps with issues that I have,” said prep Shalom Headly, “and he helps to spread awareness throughout the dorm.”
McGahie also commented on Campbell’s involvement with his dorm. “I know he certainly displays the same mindful and consistent approach when I've heard him talk about things that are happening in the dorm,” she said. “He seems to be very engaged in dorm life.”
Although an instructor of Computer Science, Campbell has found that his overall passion for the subject is broader than just the subject matter. “Since I started teaching, I’m more interested in, ‘What's the best way to teach it?’ So, [I’m interested in] Computer Science education, I guess.”
Campbell’s genuine love for innovating new ways to help students is one of the several ways he strives to make his students and advisees feel included in the learning process. “I believe students connect with him because he does such a great job of making people feel respected while helping guide them, making him an excellent educator,” said Clark. “I am glad that Exeter is fortunate enough to have teachers like him.”