Donald J. Campbell

2003 Honoree

Since 1994, he has established unique partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and communities. These partnerships have helped to improve educational opportunities; encourage others to pursue careers in aeronautics; and boost the community's understanding of technology and aeronautics. He has handled these partnerships while managing an annual budget of $650 million and overseeing a workforce of 3,400.

Donald J. Campbell is director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the only African-American NASA Center director. The Center is engaged in research, technology, and systems development programs in aeronautical propulsion, space propulsion, space power, space communications and microgravity sciences in combustion and fluid physics.

Under Mr. Campbell's leadership, the Center has enabled or improved products such as Ben Hogan golf balls, LTV Steel continuous casting rollers, Moen bathroom fixtures, Goodyear tires and a Cleveland Clinic heart pump. The Center has used the atomic oxygen method to remove layers of smoke, grease and varnishes from aged paintings at renowned museums.

Partnerships with public school systems, universities, community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities have resulted in the Center awarding millions of dollars in grants and resources to improve the quality of life for all.

Mr. Campbell, who earned a bachelor's degree at Ohio Northern University and a master's degree at Ohio State University, is a member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross. In addition, he is a member of the Kent State University Aeronautics Division Advisory Board and Ohio Northern University Board of Trustees.

His successful career in public service has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Air Force Systems Command Certificate of Merit and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He also received the Affirmative Action Award from the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and was recently recognized with the Technical Excellence in Government and Engineer of the Year Award from the National Technical Association.

The native of Lima, Ohio, plants this seed in the minds of America's youth: "Prepare yourself for the unknown by being responsible, accountable and credible. Continue to remind yourself 'I will always do the very best I can.'"