Mike Campbell enters his fifth season as head men’s and women’s tennis coach, following the eight-year tenure of legendary coach Paul Pautsch.
Campbell was a four-year letterman at John Brown University, earning All-Arkansas Intercollegiate honors in three of his four seasons from 1991 to 1995. Coaching intermittently for the past 20 years in Northwest Arkansas, Campbell has remained active in the game, competing in multiple team formats in both Arkansas and North Carolina while completing his teaching pro certification with the USPTA in 2020.
In the 2023-24 season, Campbell coached Hudson Dick ’24, who became the program’s first-ever NAIA men’s tennis All-America selection, earning a spot on the third team after an exceptional senior campaign. Dick graduated as the winningest player in program history, holding records for career singles-doubles combined wins (93), career singles-doubles combined win percentage (.721), single-season singles wins (16), and single-season singles win percentage (.938).
Campbell's tireless advocacy played a key role in securing the Golden Eagles a conference home for the first time in nearly two decades in the summer of 2024, joining the Heart of America Athletic Conference as an affiliate member. Campbell also serves as the sport's vice chair, providing leadership and oversight within the newly-formed tennis grouping within The Heart.
A longtime resident of Bentonville, Campbell has also served as a pastor for more than 20 years in Northwest Arkansas and Charlotte, N.C. In addition to his role as head men’s and women’s tennis coach at John Brown University, Campbell is the founder and executive director of Pressing Pause, a global disciple-making ministry that partners with churches and nonprofits.
With nearly 25 years of ministry and leadership experience, Campbell is serving in his “sweet spot.” His greatest passion is walking alongside leaders in their journeys and helping them discover their full potential. Building and developing strategy, whether for an individual or an organization, brings Campbell the most joy.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in wellness management in 1996, Campbell returned to John Brown University to complete a Master of Arts in ministry leadership in 2010.
Campbell is married to his college sweetheart and fellow JBU graduate, Jill (Beckner). The couple has four children: Lauren, Matthew, Ethan, and Megan.
