La’Tesha Sampson, Ph.D. Appointed New Director of The Master’s in Public Administration Program

The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce that La’Tesha Sampson, Ph.D. has been appointed the new director of the M.P.A.  program in the Department of Social Work, effective July 1st. After serving as a vital component of the Social Work department,

Sampson is eager to facilitate collaborative efforts and initiatives that bridge the gap between social work and public administration. During her time as the program director, Sampson aspires to shape students' careers by being a mentor who offers guidance and support. In doing so, she plans to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore their passions, develop their skills, and pursue their goals. By sharing my experiences, providing mentorship, and offering practical advice, she hopes to inspire and guide students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Sampson’s goal is to help them realize their full potential and prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Along with helping students reach their full potential, Sampson is working to build a connection between social work and public administration. In order to make this goal a reality, she has planned interdisciplinary workshops where students from both programs can come together to explore common issues, share perspectives, and collaborate on solutions. Additionally,  Sampson aims to establish joint research projects that leverage the expertise of students and faculty from both disciplines, addressing complex social and public policy challenges. Through these collaborative efforts, she hopes to foster a more holistic approach to addressing societal issues and better prepare our students for impactful careers in social work and public administration.

Though Sampson has a diverse professional background, from holding a license as clinical social work, being the Executive Director of Great Joy Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, to leading her own entrepreneurial endeavors, her passion has always been in academia.  Sampson has a passion for academia because “it has allowed her to indulge in her love for learning and pursuit of knowledge. She finds a deep level of satisfaction from contributing to her fields, whether through research, teaching, or mentoring. The thrill of discovery, the intellectual challenges, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact continue to drive her passion for academia”.

While  Sampson is excited to begin working to further strengthen the M.P.A. program, she understands that a crucial aspect of this role is mentoring students. When reflecting on her journey, she says “Having impactful administrative mentors has been pivotal in shaping my career by providing guidance, support, and valuable insights into navigating the academic landscape. Their mentorship has not only helped me understand the intricacies of academia but has also instilled in me a sense of leadership, professionalism, and strategic thinking”. With these lessons in mind, Sampson is ready to nurture the young minds of future Social Work and Public Administrative professionals.

Seton Hall University offers both the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degrees, with both programs offering several different options and concentrations. The M.PA. program currently offers concentrations in Public Service: Leadership, Governance and Policy, Nonprofit Organization Management and Data Visualization and Analysis, as well as the opportunity for students to choose between a final thesis, internship or practicum. The M.S.W. program offers concentrations in Behavioral Health and Forensic Social Work and an accelerated option for students with an accredited B.S.W. degree. For questions about either program, please contact Dr. Michael Dooney, Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs, at michael.dooney@shu.edu.