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By JASON GONZALEZ

Displayed in his office are the principles �¼������ϲ� Board of Regents Executive Director Chad Sampson lives by – his "Sampson house rules.” 

‘Swing first” is one of the rules.  

“It is an analogy in our family to fiercely fight for what matters – whether it is standing up for a friend or helping someone in need,” Sampson said. “This guides me at work as well. In the arena of higher education, advocating for access to quality education, it’s about taking the initiative, boldly stepping forward to champion what matters most.” 

For Sampson, this translates to passionately championing the board’s commitment to accessible and affordable education. He has seen the results – a brighter future for students and a ripple effect from a more educated populace that makes �¼������ϲ� stronger. 

Guided by this declaration for six months as interim executive director, Sampson navigated through an unprecedented stretch of complex challenges, culminating with a successful search for the University of �¼������ϲ�’s 23rd president. In August, the board gave Sampson its vote of confidence by officially appointing him executive director. 

Sampson's mission in his new role is ambitious: Achieve the board’s promise to �¼������ϲ� through thoughtful leadership; foster collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders; and ensure excellence in governance. To achieve this, he plans to focus on three key objectives. He aims to increase the board's engagement statewide. He seeks to build strategic partnerships. And he plans to enhance the board's oversight capabilities, reaffirming its leadership role across the universities.  

“I want to be seen as an honest broker, someone who facilitates always within the bounds of what is best for �¼������ϲ�, best for the universities, best for the system and best for the board.” Sampson said. “I care about the state deeply and I care about education in this state. You cannot have a well-functioning democracy without great and accessible public education.  

“I’ve seen it in myself. I saw a kid from a small town who went to college, and it changed the trajectory of his life,” he added. 

Public education opened doors to opportunities for Sampson beyond his small hometown of Richfield, Utah. For Sampson’s parents – mom a special-education teacher and dad a farmer and trucker – their greatest hope was that their eldest son would go to college. When he walked onto the University of Utah’s sprawling campus, with a population of about five times his hometown, Sampson knew he had taken a pivotal step forward. His passion and appreciation for the power of public education continued to grow at each stage of life. 

After earning bachelor’s degrees in sociology and political science from the University of Utah, he earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law. Upon arriving in �¼������ϲ� in 2002, Sampson worked for Quarles & Brady law firm before joining the Attorney General’s office representing the �¼������ϲ� Department of Education. For the past 15 years at the �¼������ϲ� office, Sampson excelled in various roles and now finds himself as the executive director for an organization he loves.  

“It is a unique time, and I think Chad’s leadership style is what makes him perfectly suited for this position. Everything that he’s done since stepping into service as interim executive director, during a very difficult time, he has handled with great skill and really risen to the occasion,” said Jennifer Pollock, �¼������ϲ� senior vice president and general counsel. Pollock and Sampson have worked together for nearly 20 years. 

“There was no issue that was too big or too complicated. Chad always approached every circumstance with enthusiasm and a willingness to work with clients and dig down deeper to see the crux of the issue. His clients and colleagues adored him. This has all been enhanced over time and I’m excited to see what he’s going to do in this role,” Pollock added. 

�¼������ϲ� Chair Cecilia Mata and Sampson each stepped into their roles in March at the board’s request, presenting an opportunity for renewal. United, they've addressed six months of critical issues. Mata appreciates Sampson's leadership, marked by transparency, strategic thinking and accountability. Sharing a commitment to students of all ages, Mata, the board and Sampson have aligned their efforts to drive progress across the state and �¼������ϲ�’s public universities.  

Sampson’s tireless pursuit of progress includes a seat on the WestEd Board of Directors, a nonprofit agency with the mission to promote excellence in education and improve learning for children, youth and adults. Previously, he held roles on the Tempe Preparatory Academy Board, the advisory committee for the Center for After School Excellence, the �¼������ϲ� State Board of Education’s Professional Practices Advisory Committee and as an adjunct professor at Mesa Community College. Additionally, Sampson has been a member of the State Bar of �¼������ϲ� since 2002.  

“Chad is so good at managing the dynamics of working with 10 regents. And he does it with positivity, no matter the circumstances. That sets the tone for the whole board and the �¼������ϲ� office,” Mata said. “He has proactively taken charge as executive director. He has led through major change, and I am confident he will continue to adapt and show resilience to best serve our state and public universities.”   

For two decades, Sampson has relied on his family's principles to serve the state and higher education. Rules No. 1 and No. 3 round out the strength he draws from. First, don’t sneak – a reminder to always choose honesty. Finally, the foundation, everyone deserves an epic love story.  

“Everybody deserves a great love,” Sampson said. “That might not be a person, but something that you are willing to sacrifice for and be a better person for. And for me, that’s my spouse Amber and our family.” 

That sacrifice and love now extends to the state of �¼������ϲ� and its students.