When Colin Campbell graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, he carried with him lessons that went far beyond the classroom. Much of what shaped his unique career began in the newsroom of The Daily Gamecock, where he worked his way up from an unpaid contributing writer to editor-in-chief.

During Campbell’s tenure, the paper was still printed five days a week, and the staff had to fill every page themselves. The task of a daily print broadsheet required consistent effort, collaboration and creativity.

“I think consistency is something that you really have to learn when you have the demands of any daily product, whether it’s newspaper, television, newsletter, whatever you’re putting out,” Campbell says. He learned valuable journalism and leadership skills working with Gamecock colleagues Josh Dawsey, Thad Moore, Cassie Cope, Chloe Gould and Isabelle Khurshudyan.

Looking back on his time, Campbell recalls two professors who made a lasting impression on him. Rob Wells, who taught business journalism, became a trusted mentor and a member of Campbell’s band, Mudflap. Another professor, Bertram Rantin, helped Campbell develop a strong foundation in reporting and writing.

Being open to new opportunities has led to some of my most rewarding work.

After graduation, Campbell joined The Baltimore Sun, where he covered the 2015 unrest following the death of Freddie Gray, an African American man who died in police custody. He later transitioned to covering transportation for The Sun. He then moved into business journalism with Industry Dive, an online news organization covering various industries, where he wrote about trucking and supply chains. During that time, he helped rebrand Transport Dive to Trucking Dive, clarifying its focus and expanding its audience, leading to a significant growth in the publication.

Today, Campbell is the supply chain deals reporter for Axios.

His work centers on the financial side of logistics, covering mergers, acquisitions and investments that shape the way goods move around the world. He says the role allows him to draw on everything he has learned through his career, dating back to his days at The Daily Gamecock, from deadline-driven reporting to understanding how industries operate. He never expected to specialize in transportation or supply chains. “Being open to new opportunities has led to some of my most rewarding work,” Campbell says.

From his time covering campus news to reporting on national business trends, Campbell’s path shows how the foundation built at the University of South Carolina can take a journalist in unexpected and fulfilling directions.