Oklahoma State campus celebrates the career of Kent Sampson
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
After 46 years of working at Oklahoma State University, Kent Sampson is retiring. It is a decision he made believing that campus is ready for “fresh eyes.”
“I have been fortunate to have had both wonderful supervisors who trusted in me and gave me support and encouragement while having the privilege of working with some amazing and most dedicated student leaders,” Sampson said. “I have always respected “fresh eyes” and felt now to be a good time to move that direction after 18 years managing and growing Leadership and Campus Life as I and my team have envisioned it. “
A native of Chickasha, Sampson graduated from Southwestern University with a degree in psychology and sociology. He completed his master’s degree at Oklahoma State and has been working on the Stillwater campus ever since. He took a job in Residential Life at OSU and was largely involved there before his involvement with Leadership and Campus Life in 1998.
Current student body president and vice president, Kyle Hilbert and Taylor Dennis, have worked closely with Kent since their election in May.
“Kent is a champion for students,” Hilbert said. “He has been a great help for me since I took over as SGA President in the spring, he is always asking what he can do to help. I would like to wish Kent well in his retirement, although I am certain this will not be the last of him that we see.”
In addition to his impact on countless students over the past 46 years, Sampson has touched fellow workers.
Ruthie Loffi has been working with Kent since Fall 2006 as his administrative assistant. Over the past nine years, Sampson and Loffi have become the dream team of campus life.
“Our relationship has really become one of teamwork – I follow his lead and do my best to keep Kent on track with his busy schedule”, Loffi says. “Kent’s boundless energy, kindness, calm demeanor and passion for what he does each and every day here at OSU in the Department of Leadership & Campus Life is a great example to all of us. Kent will be missed by so many as he has touched so many lives. From the many students that he has helped mentor and nurture here at OSU, to staff members whose well being he genuinely cares about, there will certainly be a void – indeed a chasm – as he retires.”
The university will celebrate Sampson’s career with a reception Friday, October 2, in the Student Union Ballroom at 3 p.m. Light Refreshments will be served. In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to the Kent Sampson Endowed Campus Life Scholarship Fund through the OSU Foundation at OSUGiving.com.
PHOTOS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/albums/72157659312977891
Story by Alex Marianos