01 May 2020

Saint Augustine’s University Names Josiah J. Sampson, III, Ph.D. to the Role of Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs

Raleigh, NC — Saint Augustine’s University has named Dr. Josiah J. Sampson, III, to the role of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Sampson is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. His father was an orchestra director and music professor at Jackson State University. 

In 1997, Dr. Sampson obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Jackson State University. While there he was active in the marching band, woodwind ensemble, symphonic band, NAACP, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Biology Club, and the Allied Health Professionals Club. Additionally, he was a dean’s list scholar, tutor and mentor for other students.

Prior to moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 1998, Dr. 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, Dr. Sampson began teaching at Murphy Alternative School 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, Dr. 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, Dr. Sampson 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. Dr. Sampson completed his Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision in May 2002 at Tennessee State University and was inducted into Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society.

In 2018, he accepted the invitation to serve as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There he was also the LSAMP and Harte Honors College Director, and co-advisor to several student organizations. Dr. Sampson has held memberships in several professional organizations.

Read the full release here →