Founding dean of Campbell Divinity School Cogdill dies at 76

Dr. Michael Cogdill, the founding dean of the Divinity School who served 36 years as a leader and educator at Campbell University, died this week at the age of 76.

"We were all saddened to learn of Dr. Cogdill's passing. On behalf of the entire University community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues who knew Dr. Cogdill so well," Campbell President William M. Downs said. "I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Cogdill for the first time one Sunday morning at Memorial Baptist Church, and I have since learned much about his impact as a teacher, program builder and leader. Dr. Cogdill's legacy is truly impressive, and it is one from which we will all continue to benefit for a long, long time."

Cogdill arrived at Campbell in 1979 to serve as assistant professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy. Having completed a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Seminary and a Master of Science in Sociology (from NC State), Cogdill taught courses in Bible, Sociology of Religion and ministry leadership. He also advised the ministry studies students in the Religion major.

After a four-year stint as pastor of Spilman Memorial Church in Kinston, he returned to Campbell in 1988 as chair of the Religion Department. He was selected Professor of the Year in 1992 and the university yearbook, The Pine Burr, was dedicated to him in 1997.

In 1995, the University tapped him to start a new graduate theological school in response to dramatic changes in the leadership and direction of the Southern Baptist seminaries. He often talked about the challenge and the excitement of beginning Campbell Divinity School "with a blank sheet of paper."

Cogdill envisioned a school that would extend the Religion Department's emphasis on academic excellence into graduate theological education, while building on the reputation of Campbell's professional schools for preparing students with skills to do the work on day one. He also envisioned a school that would expand on Campbell's decades of service to local churches. Through collaboration with then Provost Jerry Wallace and Associate Dean Bruce Powers, Cogdill created the mission statement that defined the vision and ethos of the school: "to provide Christ-centered, Bible-based, and ministry-focused theological education."

"The legacy of Dr. Michael Cogdill is hard to describe adequately in words. He was a professor and dean with a pastor's heart," said current Divinity School Dean Dr. Barry Jones. "He believed that academic excellence and service to the church went hand-in-glove. He understood and taught that Christian ministry had to satisfy the mind and speak to the heart.

"Campbell University Divinity School was built on the personal trust that many, many people across North Carolina had in Mike Cogdill's character and leadership. Beyond the University, he ministered to countless people as an interim pastor, preacher and friend. Those who knew him knew that his life was anchored in his personal faith in Jesus Christ and the good news of God's eternal love. That hope guides all of us who mourn his loss. He lived out the words that have become a watchword for his students and colleagues: It is worth a life to be a Christian minister."

The response to the Divinity School and to Cogdill's leadership was one of enthusiastic support and rapid growth. Plans to begin class in the fall of 1997 were accelerated when 35 students applied and appealed for classes to begin in 1996. The charter class of 84 students marked the official opening of the school in 1997. By 2000, enrollment grew to more than 150 students. A goal to fund 200 scholarships was quickly met and extended to 300 scholarships, which was also soon met and exceeded. The new school quickly gained associate membership and then full accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

Within 10 years of its founding, under Cogdill's leadership, the Divinity School had an enrollment of 230 students and an endowment of $16 million. In 2006-2008, Dr. Cogdill led an $8 million capital campaign to construct Butler Chapel and the Dinah Gore Bell Tower and Prayer Garden.

In 2010, after 15 years of leadership, Cogdill retired from the role of dean and joined the full-time faculty as professor of pastoral ministry. In 2017, he received the University's highest teaching honor, The D. P. Russ, Jr. and Walter S. Jones, Sr. Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence for his improvements in the Divinity School's field education program. He retired from Campbell University in 2019.

Jones said Cogdill's record of achievement does not capture the full measure of his impact on students, churches and the university as a whole.

"Throughout his teaching career, he demonstrated the heart of a pastor in his guidance of students, his relationships with faculty, university colleagues and ministry friends, and his extensive service to churches," Jones wrote. "Alumni remember and recite his inspiring sermons, classroom presentations and personal words of encouragement and affirmation. Stories of his impact on students' sense of vocation are numerous and legendary. Many student stories of doubt and challenge in pursuing their call end with the same phrase: '…but then I talked to Dr. Cogdill.'"

Cogdill introduced numerous phrases that became watchwords to a generation of ministers. He celebrated each commissioning service and graduation as "a high and holy day." He exhorted students often to believe that "it is worth a life" to follow God's call.

He had a similar impact on churches across the state of North Carolina. From 1980 to 2024, he served 25 churches as interim pastor, and preached frequently as guest preacher and revival leader throughout his career. People from churches across the state remember his inspiring sermons and his demonstrable love for Jesus Christ and his church. Throughout his time at Campbell and his service across the state, he was a dedicated member of Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek and a steadfast and vocal supporter of its pastors and ministry staff.

Cogdill spoke to Divinity School graduates in 2019 on the eve of his retirement, challenging the new graduates: "When you get a chance to preach, bring it."

"When you get a chance to proclaim the gospel, shuck the corn," he said. "And wherever you serve, build people up. May God reward you with a rich ministerial life. Know I will always hold you in my heart."

Information on memorial services for Dr. Michael Cogdill is pending, and we will update this story when details are released.