The Legion of Honor recognizes staff and faculty of American National University who, through longevity of service and depth of impact, have profoundly influenced the lives of students. Their contributions to the development of the university have helped ensure the university’s strength and relevance as we pursue our second century of educating men and women for lives as contributing citizens, fulfilling the promise of Evolution 2086.
Dr. Michael Campbell epitomizes what it means to be a truly great teacher. Nearly 20,000 students’ lives have benefitted from his sound instruction and wise guidance throughout nearly forty years he has served American National University. Dr. Campbell is well known in the Roanoke Valley as a respected, knowledgeable grammarian as well as an authority on Shakespearean literature. His hallmark is that he possesses a gentle soul who cares deeply for his students and strives to remain a part of their growth and success.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech and his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On graduation, he taught at Virginia Tech before joining what was then National Business College in 1976, retiring in 2015 after nearly 40 years of commitment to what is now American National University.
Even after his retirement, Dr. Campbell was called on by students for references, advice, and tutoring, which he provided using the University’s facilities.
Richard G. (Dick) Wood is president emeritus of the Kentucky Division of American National University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maine and a Master of Arts from the United States International University. Mr. Wood served 21 years as a Naval Aviator in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Commander.
Joining American National University as an admissions representative in 1979, he was quickly appointed campus director for the Charlottesville, Virginia campus. In 1984, he was named president and chief operating officer for Kentucky Business College and Fugazzi College, a post he held for 15 years. In 1999, he “retired” but continued to work part-time for approximately 10 years, being instrumental in locating and opening new campuses.
Dick Wood served on the board of directors and as president of the Virginia Career College Association, the Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools, and the Tennessee Association of Independent Colleges and Schools. He served as vice chairman of the board of trustees of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, and is still an active member.
Dick Wood’s service to ANU was instrumental in transforming the institution from a college to a university and his leadership has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students and graduates.
Ronald Lee (Ron) Smith has worn many hats since starting with American National University on August 15, 1976. Ron’s duties have included Admissions Representative; Assistant Director of Admissions 1977–1982; Director of Admissions 1988-1993; Director of International Programs 1993-2003; Director of Admissions and International Programs 2003-2015; Admissions Representative for the University of Fairfax 2016-2017; and presently International Agent Relations Coordinator. Over the past 40 years, Ron has enrolled thousands of domestic and international students from more than 126 countries, and has traveled to over 14 foreign countries for the University. He has even enrolled parents and grandparents of current students.
Ron has received many awards while at ANU: 6 Golden Eagle Awards; 55 Admissions Representative of the term awards; 4 Chairman’s Awards; Staff Member of the Year Award 1995; the University’s inaugral Distinguished Service Award in 2005; and was profiled as a “Difference Maker” 2013.
Ron is very proud to be a part of ANU and to have experienced the successes of so many students. He has made introducing students from around the world to ANU his life’s work!
Larry Steele
“We train admissions representatives to look at the vision of what the prospective student wants in their life and then show how the college can get them to that point. We always tell the representatives to remember that we are not for everyone. The college only succeeds when the student succeeds.” Larry Steele, 2006
Larry Steele improved the lives of thousands of students at American National University while serving as the financial aid director of admissions, regional director of admissions, and as an international admissions officer. Through the years, because of his hard work and dedication, he was a key factor to ANU’s growth in multiple states. Steele began his life work at American National University and retired after 30 years of service.
Anna Marie (Annie) Counts impacted the lives of many students of American National University. While serving as the director of quality assessment for four years, Annie was responsible for providing interpretation and supervision of accreditation standards in support of eight Virginia campuses. As the director of state agency and accreditation compliance and approvals, Annie was responsible for providing the interpretation, supervision, and execution of accreditation standards in support of the University’s 30 campuses. In 2012, she was honored with the ANU Distinguished Service Award.
Annie received a Bachelor Science degree in business administration from West Virginia University and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) from Hollins University. A long-time volunteer for the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, Annie received the Judy Griesenbrock Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2011. Annie was also chosen for Leadership Roanoke Valley, an interactive 10-month program of the Roanoke Regional Chamber that trains participates in making a difference in business and the community.
Annie’s numerous other duties at American National University included admissions representative and campus director. She served ANU for a total of 26 years from 1987-2013.
Lenora Downing was vice president of American National University’s Virginia-West Virginia Division from 1997-2015. A three-time graduate of the University, she received her bachelor’s degree in business management in 1993 and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) from Hollins University in 1997.
After working in the banking industry, Ms. Downing joined ANU’s administration in 1989 and served in a variety of roles, including executive director of administrative services and director of institutional research and reporting.
She has also served on numerous boards and commissions, including terms as president of the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation and the Salem Rotary Club.