UNCP’s Tim Sampson Elected Vice Chair of UNC System Staff Assembly

Tim Sampson, director of Financial Aid and chair of Staff Senate at UNC Pembroke, has been elected to serve as vice chair of the UNC System Staff Assembly, representing staff members across all 17 institutions in the UNC System.

Sampson was elected during the assembly’s fall meeting held October 23-24 on the campus of UNCP.

In this leadership role, Sampson will chair the Chairs’ Committee, facilitating monthly meetings with Staff Senate chairs from universities across the state. The committee provides a platform to share successful initiatives, discuss challenges facing campus workplaces and collaborate on systemwide efforts to improve the staff experience. Sampson plans to visit campuses to support shared governance conversations and strengthen communication between staff leadership and campus administration.

“In his role as UNCP’s chair of Staff Senate, I’ve had the privilege to get to know and work closely with Tim over the last three years,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. “He is a tireless advocate for staff, a trusted partner in shared governance and a leader who understands the power of listening and collaboration.

I am confident Tim will represent UNCP and our 16 sister institutions with integrity and compassion as he assumes this important role and continues his work to elevate the staff experience across the UNC System

Sampson said he is honored by the trust placed in him. “For me, it’s meaningful to know that the work we are doing to support staff is being seen and valued — not only at UNCP, but across the UNC System,” Sampson said. “Now, I can represent staff at all 17 campuses and help strengthen the staff voice across the state.”

Sampson has served on UNCP’s Staff Senate for the past three years and is widely recognized for his collaborative approach and relationship-building across campus. Under his leadership, UNCP has been recognized for its strong model of shared governance and regular communication between staff leadership and university administration.

One of Sampson’s top priorities as vice chair is to help expand communication between Staff Assembly delegates beyond quarterly meetings, ensuring concerns are addressed in real-time. Sampson will also continue to advocate for key issues affecting staff statewide, including competitive compensation, accessible professional development, limited parking availability and expanded tuition waiver benefits for employees.

Susan Smith, assistant director of Member Services for Campus Recreation at UNC Wilmington and outgoing vice chair of the Assembly, said Sampson’s leadership approach made him stand out among nominees.

“Tim is a very intentional leader. He listens with empathy, but he also leads with clarity and accountability,” Smith said. “He builds community wherever he goes, and people trust him. That’s exactly what this role needs.”

Sampson is the first UNCP staff member in more than a decade to hold an executive leadership position in the UNC Staff Assembly, following former UNCP administrator David Burns.

In addition to Sampson, UNCP is represented in the UNC Staff Assembly by Jamie Oxendine (Facilities), along with an additional delegate to be named and Jocelyn Graham (Chancellor’s Office), who serves as an alternate.

For Sampson, the inspiration behind his leadership is simple: investing in people and their success.

“Whether it’s helping students succeed through financial aid or helping staff feel heard and supported, what drives me is seeing others thrive,” Sampson said. “If we can create workplaces where people feel valued, respected and empowered — everyone benefits,” Sampson said.