Homecoming Honoree: Manny Campos

A former first-generation student from Sonora, Campos earned his bachelor’s degree in government and his Master of Public Administration at ASU. While still a student, he went to work for the Galilee Community Development Corporation, and then later moved on to the American Cancer Society. Teaching at ASU was not really on his radar.

“I knew I wanted to do something to help others,” Campos said. “The nonprofit world was the first step toward that, helping lower socio-economic families get a hand up. Then, about a year after I joined the American Cancer Society, there was a lot of restructuring and pay cuts.”

“I got a call from my old ASU professor, Dr. Jack Barbour, asking if I could teach as an adjunct in my off time,” he added. “Little did he know that my off time was about to be pretty regular. That’s how I got connected back to ASU.”

“I believe in what the Ram Fam is really about.”

With his foot in the door, Campos taught for a while before joining the ASU staff as assistant Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) coordinator, and then landing a full-time instructor position in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy in 2014. Ten years later, he is a senior instructor in political science and is known across campus as an engaging and empowering presence in the classroom.

“Students have to take the classes I teach because they are core curriculum,” Campos said. “So I try my best to show that I’m invested in them. I try to make the material relatable to them in a subject that is not very popular these days – our government. There are applicable ways to meet them where they’re at and use the material to make connections.”

Campos also enjoys connecting with students off campus as an in-person dual credit instructor at San Angelo Lake View High School.

“I fell in love with those kids and I relate to them,” Campos said. “I see them have some of the same struggles I had, like not knowing if they want to go to college or how to make it happen. For me, it’s about trying to make the path easier for them. Teaching is 90% of it, but 10% is things like, ‘here’s how admissions works,’ ‘here’s how applications work’ or ‘here’s a letter of recommendation.’ It’s all those components that make in-person dual credit special to me.”

 “I try my best to show my students that I’m invested in them.”

Outside of his various classrooms, Campos spends almost as much time acting as the faculty athletic associate for the Rams baseball team, speaking at numerous ASU recruiting events, and fronting the Manny Campos Band at Ram Jams and other fundraising events.

“I believe in what the Ram Fam is really about,” he said. “Folks who have helped me out along my journey from student to staff to faculty, we’re all connected through ASU. I believe in that spirit of Ram Fam, and it needs to be more than words. It has to be actions. That covers everything from participating in Admissions events to emceeing the Homecoming Parade to raising money for Rams baseball or rugby. It’s doing, not just talking.”

It was while performing at an annual Christmas party that Campos was first asked to sing the national anthem before a Rams baseball game. Now, his anthem singing is a fixture at the games, as is his presence in the Norris Baseball Clubhouse.

“When you actually know the players and you have them in class, it makes it that much more special,” Campos said. “It’s been about eight years now, and I just help any way I can, whether its raising money or feeding them between double-header games. I learned a lot from some other great volunteers, and it’s become a big part of my life.”

“I literally learned everything I know about baseball from volunteering with the Rams,” he added. “Now I’m a baseball expert and I’m a great Monday morning quarterback. Just ask Coach Brooks.”

In recognition of the many ways Campos demonstrates his dedication to his students, the Ram Family and all its ideals, the Alumni Association has named him its 2024 Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award winner.

“It was quite a shock, so I’m surprised and honored to be names the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award winner.”

“I did not expect this at all,” Campos said. “It was quite a shock, so I’m surprised and honored.”

“I just lost my dad, who was a big part of why I do what I do,” he added. “So this will be bittersweet, because he would’ve planned to be here for it all. But it will be a great tribute to him.”