Donor Profile - Nigel Campbell

A scholarship had financial, social and personal benefits for UNE alumnus Nigel (Ned) Campbell, who used it as a catalyst to career success. Now he and his siblings Libby and Tom are investing in educational philanthropy of their own.

Nigel is the principal of Campbell Private Wealth, a Sydney-based investment firm that provides investment and financial advice to individuals and families. His interest in financial markets began as a teenager, when he started investing on the ASX, and was formalised when he enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)/Bachelor of Business (Financial Management) degree at UNE in 2008.

A country boy, Nigel moved to Duval College, where he became the beneficiary of a Scott Williams Opportunity Scholarship. His interactions with the former UNE deputy chancellor and successful businessman enriched Nigel’s life and aspirations.
“To receive Scott’s scholarship in my first year was a wonderful financial benefit,” Nigel says. “He subsequently continued his scholarship and generosity over the next three years, which helped to allow me to attend college throughout my studies. The college experience enhanced my growth, by enabling me to fully immerse myself in the UNE community and all it had to offer.”
Nigel’s older brother Tom and younger sister Libby also attended Duval, with a member of the Campbell family living in the college every year over an 8-year period. This college experience helped Libby, who has become a solicitor, and Tom who works in project management.

When COVID-19 struck last year, causing a decline in residential college enrolments, the Campbell siblings decided they wanted to support the system that had been so personally enriching to them. The annual Campbell Family Scholarship will assist a student from a rural or regional area to reside in Duval for the duration of their studies.

In his final year, Nigel was elected president of Duval College, and he says the position provided experiences that helped guide his future. “It assisted me to develop interpersonal skills, to talk to and relate to people from all different backgrounds,” he says.
But the benefit of getting to know Scott personally was equally valuable. “To meet someone of his calibre at the age of 19 was very inspiring,” Nigel says. “He served as an important mentor and taught me a great deal about how to conduct myself in the business world. He discussed business models and provided relevant, practical advice. That, coupled with my UNE education, meant I was informed about business interactions and what was possible when I graduated.”

Following financial work in Tamworth, Sydney and with the Bank of New York Mellon in Ireland, Nigel founded his own firm in 2016, and became one of the youngest people in Australia to gain an Australian Financial Services Licence. He believes his UNE and Duval experiences provided a wonderful foundation for his career.

“When you manage the money of clients, it’s very personal and you are dealing with families and family assets often built over many decades,” Nigel says. “The skills I developed at UNE enable me to do that effectively, and to respect and appreciate the challenges associated with growing and maintaining wealth.

“I have a number of clients who have Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) that enable them to distribute 5% of their foundation’s net assets to charities every year. Now my siblings and I also want to give back.

“Education is critical to our lives and ongoing success. It has allowed me to understand financial markets both domestically and internationally, and has enabled me to follow my passion in the finance and investment industry. I have fond memories of my time at UNE and appreciate the standard of education I received.”