By Jackson State University
Jackson State University President Thomas K. Hudson announces the appointment of Josiah J. Sampson, III, Ph.D., as vice president for Enrollment Management, effective Jan. 18. In the role, Sampson will provide leadership and oversight for the university’s strategic enrollment management planning for the areas of admissions/recruitment, financial aid services and the registrar and records services.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Josiah Sampson back home to the Jackson State family as a member of my executive cabinet. His experience as an administrator and science educator at the secondary, undergraduate and graduate levels will complement and enhance our efforts,” said President Hudson. “In keeping with our strategic plan, Dr. Sampson brings a wealth of knowledge in student success, research methods and mentorship that will serve us well as we continue to recruit the best and brightest scholars to Jackson State University.”
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Sampson is a proud JSU alumnus with strong ties to the local community. His father was the orchestra director and music professor at Jackson State University. His mother is a retired teaching supervisor from the Mississippi School for the Deaf. This upbringing encouraged his passion for education, the arts and youth advocacy.
“The honor of serving my alma mater as vice president for Enrollment Management is one of the greatest things that has ever come before me,” said Sampson. “Love and esteem for this University has permeated my family for generations. From even before my days in early childhood to my days in the Sonic Boom of the South to graduation and beyond, love for this institution has been without limit. I will do all that is within me to grow and increase the name and legacy of Jackson State University with that same ’Tiger Pride!’ ”
Sampson most recently served as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Saint Augustine’s University where he was responsible for advancing the academic profile and purpose of the college, establishing the appropriate level of academic rigor for programs in its representative schools and programs, developing and supervising new programs, increasing faculty and student research, and advising and mentoring faculty and students.
Sampson began a teaching career by assisting in teaching laboratory techniques to medical technology students in the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center’s Medical Technologist program. He served as a biology instructor of both James B. Murrah and Robert M. Callaway High Schools. While teaching and revising science department standards at Callaway, he also served as assistant band director for both marching and concert bands. Upon moving to Nashville, Sampson began teaching at Murphy Alternative School and was responsible for all required high school science and math disciplines, developing the science curriculum, serving as principle-designee, public relations correspondent, and developing the school’s computer lab.
In 1999, Sampson began teaching multiple sciences at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School and was responsible for upgrading the school’s science department to meet OSHA standards. Additionally, he wrote the chemistry curriculum for the school’s International Baccalaureate program. He worked on the Mission and Beliefs committee for the school’s SACS accreditation. He also sponsored extracurricular clubs for students and was repeatedly commended for tutoring and mentoring students before and after school hours.
Sampson formerly served as an assistant professor of biological sciences at Elizabeth City State University (2007) where he chaired and worked on multiple university committees, including UNC Campus Security Initiative, SACSCOC and NCATE. Some of his other university duties were chair of the Joint Council (disciplinary appeals), Academic Appeals and Re-entry Committees, General Studies Advisory Board, and HBCU-UP. Sampson was also an assistant band director and advisor of several student groups at the university.
In 2018, he served as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While there, he additionally served as the LSAMP and Harte Honors College director, and co-advisor to several student organizations.
Sampson earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Jackson State University. He completed his master of education in administration and supervision at Tennessee State University. He received his doctor of philosophy in biomedical sciences from Meharry Medical College with a research focus in cancer biology. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Elizabeth City State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Alabama.
In the community, Sampson has served as a Boy Scouts of America scoutmaster, member of the Board of Trustees and taught the couple’s ministry at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. He has also been chapter president and served on numerous committees with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and as a deacon and vice-chair of the Diaconate Ministry at Corner-stone Missionary Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
