Carlos "Kent" Campbell

Dr. Carlos 'Kent' Campbell passed away February 20, 2024 after a full and generous life. Kent was born in East Tennessee and was the namesake of his paternal grandfather, Carlos Campbell, a renowned naturalist and a founder of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He met the love of his life Liz (Eliza) in kindergarten, and they married in 1966 and began a grand adventure together. Over the next fifty-eight years, they raised two children, Kris (David) and Patrick (Jennifer) and four grandchildren (Josie, Max, Noah, & Emmett). Kent is also survived by four siblings, Robert (Rita), John (True), Melissa (Steve), Becky (Gary), and a beloved companion, Annie the poodle. He was predeceased by his father (Clinton), mother (Betty Ann), step-mother (Mary Jo), and sister (Ann).

Kent began his professional career with the US Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stationed in El Salvador for 4 years working with the Ministry of Health on malaria control. Returning to Atlanta, he served as Chief of the Malaria Branch from 1982 through 1996 where his team advanced therapies for drug resistant malaria, evaluated the impacts of malaria on pregnant women and infants, and demonstrated the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bednets. Kent's leadership in these global efforts was recognized by his selection as President of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. His global adventures were also vividly recounted in popular media such as "Fever! The Hunt for a New Killer Virus" by John Fuller and "The Coming Plague" by Laurie Garrett.

Following his service with CDC, Kent joined the University of Arizona and led the development of the Arizona College of Public Health. Following the College's accreditation, he served as Interim Dean of the College for 2 years. To give back to the College, Kent and Liz established the Kent & Liz Campbell International Public Health Internship, supporting outstanding Masters in Public Health students committed to bringing public health to global communities.

Beginning in 2003, Kent became a consultant to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He launched the Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), working collaboratively with over 40 African nations to develop malaria control programs that have substantially reduced the spread of the disease on the continent. Over his career, Kent contributed to enormous progress in the fight against malaria in Africa—where more than 90% of malaria deaths occur—paving the way for many nations to work towards controlling and ultimately eliminating this dangerous disease.

Kent made the world a better place through his dedication to global public health, but he was rooted in his dedication to his family. He asked only to be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and son of the Smoky Mountains. We will honor his legacy with a memorial service in the Smokies later this year. Rather than flowers, please consider donating to the Kent & Liz Campbell International Public Health Internship at the University of Arizona.