From his roots in the Longsdale housing projects of Knoxville, TN to obtaining his Ph.D and championing educational equity, Dr. Bryan Samuel's journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance.
Bryan and I dive into his childhood and the experiences he had growing up in poverty, his health challenges including prone-belly syndrome, an incarcerated father, and the numerous resulting obstacles he faced–including the heartbreaking Christmas of 1978 when he received no presents and a greuling four-mile walk to school every day no matter the weather.
Despite these hardships, Bryan was determined to pursue higher education, but would end up having to overcome a punishing ACT score of 12, academic probation during under-grad, and five rejections from Doctoral programs because discriminating admissions officers claimed he would never be able to write a dissertation–that is, until he squashed their skepticism by presenting a briefcase with dozens of A+ research papers.
We then explore Bryan's 30-year career in higher education, marked by his dedication to helping students overcome similar barriers. He shares inspiring stories of his impact, like assisting NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in completing his degree by challenging rigid residency requirements, and helping a student obtain a degree in a program they weren't officially admitted to due to GPA restrictions, showcasing his commitment to looking beyond traditional metrics.
Now a leader in diversity and inclusion, Bryan's mission is to increase educational access for all students, including those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Throughout, we emphasize the importance of flexible policies and recognizing diverse perspectives in higher education. Bryan’s story is a powerful reminder that personal struggles can fuel a passion for creating equitable opportunities, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the life-changing potential of education and the impact of unwavering determination.
Resources:
Finding Myself: A Journey from the Projects to the Ph.D
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