Alumni Profile: Andrew Campbell

Anyone who lived in the San Marcos area over the past five years probably remembers the Iconic Village fire. The 2018 fire, started by an arsonist who has yet to be caught, killed five students and left many others injured and displaced from their homes. Senior Andrew Campbell lived through the fire shortly after graduating from Texas State and had to move back to Houston.

“That year was pretty all over the place,” Andrew said.

Andrew grew up in Rhode Island and later the Houston area before going to Texas State to get his degree in Biology. He grew up homeschooled, which allowed him to complete community college credits and get ahead before even starting college.

“The visit to Texas State was great,” Andrew said. “It’s big and confusing, but everyone helps you where you need to go.”

During his time at Texas State, Andrew was a part of the Honors College, Bobcat Build, and Pagan Student Fellowship all while working at Torchy’s Tacos. While his degree was in Biology, Andrew didn’t find what he really loved doing until a couple years after graduating.

After spending a couple years in Houston after the Iconic Village fire, Andrew moved back to San Marcos to transition in a place he felt supported. He started working at the Hays County Food Bank, a place where he spent time volunteering in the past.

Andrew, center, and the Hays County Food Bank staff.

Andrew is now the Volunteer and Client Services Coordinator and helps organize volunteers, check people in at food distributions, and connect people with community resources. As someone who had to pay his way through college, Andrew knows what it’s like to need additional resources. His past experience has made him a great resource for people in the San Marcos community.

If you are a Texas State student or San Marcos resident in need of additional resources, you can find Andrew at the Hays County Food Bank or learn more about your options here.