Will Sampson

About Will

• Born and raised in Detroit, MI; describes himself as “a kid from the Motor City who never wanted to work at the plant.”
• Says he was a bright student, but feared being made fun of for being the “smart kid,” so he tried to camouflage his intelligence in order to blend in.
• Got involved in a program in high school that enabled him to take accelerated classes and secured him a scholarship to attend a private college, where he graduated with a degree in communications.
• Says school was his “sanctuary”—credits his interest in learning to his desire to get out of his neighborhood and away from gang violence.
• Ended up working in sales right out of college—he was good at his job, but after getting married and starting a family, he didn’t want to rely on a commission-based salary.
• Got a job answering phones at Wayne County Community College District—the chancellor of the college was so impressed by his dedication that he provided him opportunities to advance.
• Has worked for Wayne County Community College District for over a decade doing everything from recruiting to student services; he now serves as the associate vice chancellor of student services.
• He’s currently pursuing a doctorate with the goal of one day becoming the president of a community college so that he can be accessible to all students.