Kim Campbell, MSEd, MLS(ASCP)CM, faculty in the medical laboratory science (MLS) program, is retiring after 34 years with the UK College of Health Sciences (CHS). Her dedication and participation in the program helped MLS to graduate many of Kentucky’s laboratory professionals. 

Campbell received her B.S.M.T. from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse. She worked in the field of laboratory science for several years before coming to UK to earn her master’s degree in education and allied health.

After completing her master’s degree, she was hired as a medical instructional specialist in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at UK and taught in many of the laboratory classes. Campbell then became a lecturer and eventually was promoted to a position of senior lecturer.

Throughout the years, she has taught and/or been involved in every course in the MLS curriculum. “I’m grateful to have combined both my passions into one career,” she said.

Colleagues within CHS consider her to be an excellent teacher and during her tenure she received the Kingston Award for teaching. Campbell believes her greatest accomplishment is educating a large amount of laboratory professionals in the state of Kentucky.

“I love connecting with my students and watching them grow and develop into independent thinkers,” she said. “It’s extremely rewarding to guide a student through their education and to follow their accomplishments after graduation.”

Campbell has seen many changes to the laboratory field throughout her 34 years of service, namely the introduction and advancement of new technologies. “Technology allowed medical laboratory science to become highly advanced and specialized,” she said. “For many of us, there was a learning curve as this technology was introduced. We went from performing manual methodologies to operating highly complex instrumentation.” 

Campbell is an active member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the Kentucky Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (KSCLS). She has served KSCLS as president, treasurer, and in many other capacities. She promotes involvement in professional organizations and continuing education to her students.

Although Campbell is excited about retirement, she is going to miss working with and seeing her colleagues in MLS and CHS. “There are such supportive individuals working here. My experience has been quite amazing,” she said. “CHS has been like a family with everyone working together for the good of the student.”

During retirement, Campbell is looking forward to scheduling life on her own time. She and her husband are planning to travel and connect with friends. Campbell will also stay connected with MLS and the college through her participation on the MLS scholarship committee.