Financial aid director Tim Sampson has hit the ground running since joining UNC Pembroke, going the extra mile to serve the university and local community.

Sampson not only leads one of the most complex offices on campus but has shown exceptional leadership while navigating FAFSA delays that have impacted colleges and universities nationwide. He has led an innovative approach to delivering resources into the community through FAFSA on Wheels and implemented extended office hours to accommodate students and families.

As Staff Senator chair, he facilitated establishing a professional development series to help staff members reach their personal goals. His servant leadership extends well beyond campus. He wears many hats in his church and recently returned from a mission trip to the Philippines.

For his commitment to service, Sampson has been named the 2024 recipient of the Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award. The award, given by the UNC Staff Assembly, recognizes employees' achievements through professional interactions, extraordinary service to their respective campus and outstanding service to the greater community. He will be presented with the award at the UNC Staff Assembly meeting in Winston-Salem in October.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Sampson, a 2019 UNCP graduate, in a press release. “I come to work every day for the students and to be a servant for our families. I am not the person who needs the recognition. But it feels great to be recognized; hopefully, this will encourage others to continue doing their great work. This is a huge honor.”

In addition to the Staff Senate at UNCP, Sampson lends his decision-making talents as a member of the conduct hearing board, academic support council, faculty and staff harassment board and the Move-In and Homecoming committees.

“Whether through his leadership in the Staff Senate or his work in the Office of Financial Aid, Tim’s passion for helping others and creating value is evident,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings in a press release. “He doesn’t just see the potential for improvement—he takes action to make it happen.”

Sampson’s dedication extends far beyond campus. After learning of a bus shortage at a local elementary school, he stepped up and has been driving a bus each morning before beginning his day at UNCP for two years.

A first-generation college graduate, Sampson firmly believes in the power of education. This fall, he will begin UNCP’s MBA program.

“Everyone in this (financial aid) office is committed to being a servant leader. It’s about being able to serve others. A student was in my office recently because he couldn’t find a way to pay his tuition. He was a senior. I researched my budget, found $1,200, and told him, ‘We will assist you.’ He started crying, and I teared up. This is why I do what I do. It’s all about the students,” shared Sampson.