Christopher Campbell
Professor of Plant Systematics, School of Biology and Ecology

Throughout his 25 year career at the University of Maine, Christopher has maintained a world-class research program on the phylogeny of Picea and Amelanchier, even while serving as Associate Chair, and then Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, one of the largest units on campus.  He is an extremely dedicated teacher.  It was always hard for the rest of the faculty to complain when the department chair was teaching our largest introductory course plus his advanced course on top of his administrative duties and research program. Christopher is one of the reasons the School of Biology and Ecology is what it is today. When three departments were merged many years ago, Christopher made it work, leading by quiet example. He seemed to always remain calm, even in the midst of chaos.

Christopher also has maintained the Fay Highland Botanical Garden and has pitched in himself to do the work keeping paths clear and cutting and hauling brush as needed.  He has done a fantastic job managing the herbarium, and its specimens are now readily available for researchers through out the world via a user friendly web site.

Christopher has always been around when anyone needed help or guidance, whether faculty, graduate or undergraduate students. An avid runner and cyclist, Christopher manages to stay ahead of most of us.  His most recent leadership of the phylogeny journal club has been much appreciated by students and faculty alike.  And the welcoming weekends that he and his wife, Margaret, provided colleagues at Loafingsite will not be forgotten.

An amazing individual, Christopher is a valued colleague who has made a real difference to this institution and to his profession.  We owe a tremendous thanks to Chris for all he has done for UMaine, and we look forward to more good jokes at our meetings.