Service to his community, his campus, and his country has marked the distinguished life of E. R. "Bo" Campbell. Campbell was and continues to be a man of determination, of honor, of integrity—qualities brightly reflected over the course of his remarkable 58 years.
Campbell was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he attended C. E. Byrd High School. At Byrd, he distinguished himself not only as a member of the National Honor Society, but also as the school’s first four-year track and football letterman. In fact, it was football that first led Campbell to LSU with a four-year scholarship in the sport. In addition to being a three-year letterman in Death Valley, he also played in three different post-season bowl games. However, despite his activities, Campbell did not neglect his studies. In 1963 Campbell was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. Upon graduation from the university, Campbell joined with the U. S. Air Force Reserves, where he served until 1969.
Campbell’s remarkable business career began with the Pioneer Bank & Trust Company in Shreveport. From there he worked his way through the company to eventually become Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pioneer. In 1994, while Campbell served as Chairman of the Board, Pioneer was acquired by Hibernia National Bank. After joining Hibernia Campbell became a member of the Hibernia Corporation, Hibernia National Bank, and Hibernia National Bank of Texas Board of Directors. He later went on to serve as Chairman of the Hibernia National Bank of Texas Board of Directors, and now holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Hibernia Corporation and Hibernia National Bank Boards.
In addition to his position at Hibernia, Campbell also serves as CEO or Chairman of numerous companies owned by himself and his three children. These companies are dedicated to land and timber financing and acquisitions, oil and gas, and venture capital investments.
Much of Campbell’s time is still dedicated to his campus, community and family. In addition to serving as a member of numerous organizations and clubs throughout the community, Campbell also has served as a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors and LSU Athletic Council. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tiger Athletic Foundation. He has also served as King of the Washington D. C. Mardi Gras twice.
Campbell is married to Ingrid Rhinehart Campbell and is the father of three children, Chip, Chris and Kathryn.
My involvement with LSU has been a great part of my life. From my days as a student, to the times representing LSU as an athlete; to serving on the Athletic Council, serving on the LSU Board of Supervisors, serving on the Tiger Athletic Foundation, to getting to know and being involved with the leaders of our University, it’s been fun.
When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to visit numerous schools that were potentially offering me a scholarship. My father gave me the advice that I should go to school where I planned to live. That made my choice easier, since Louisiana was where I wanted to live. Later, this proved to be great advice when I started in business in Louisiana. I know people throughout our great state.
Playing football at LSU had to have been the highlight of my LSU career. Of course, it helped that LSU was enjoying success at the time.
If I were giving advice to a prospective student at LSU, it would be to find a field that he or she enjoys and one that affords a comfortable living. Being happy with what you’re doing is important, and will be more likely to lead to financial success.
LSU has always been a part of my life. I will always be thankful for all I learned and experienced. No other school could have given me more.