Cary man featured in University of Phoenix scholarship ad campaign (with video)

CARY – Curtis Sampson, 36, was a first-generation college student who didn’t stop with an undergraduate degree, and now his experience could affect future college students.

After completing his bachelor’s degree at West Alabama University, the Cary resident, who grew up in Winfield, Alabama, went on to complete his master’s at Jacksonville State University, also in Alabama.

In 2011, he received a Ph.D. in public administration from the University of Phoenix, and it was this alma mater that recently chose him to be part of a national campaign to promote a scholarship.

According to a recent news release from the University of Phoenix, Curtis was one of seven black alumni chosen to be highlighted in an advertisement for the Road to Success Scholarship program.

The program is designed to increase the number of black graduates entering into the education, health care, criminal justice and security fields, the release said.

“I knew if I did this, I could influence a lot of people,” said Sampson, who works as a resource management officer in the Army Reserve in Arlington Heights. “I thought it would be beneficial for others.”

As one of the featured alumni, Sampson was flown to Washington, D.C., about a month ago and was filmed as he told his story.

While neither of his parents went to college, both were adamant about their son getting a degree, he said.

As he progressed through school, Sampson said he continued to want more education.

“I was deployed to Iraq in 2005-06, and when I got back I knew I wanted to get my Ph.D.,” he said. “I didn’t know where, but I did know I didn’t want to sit in a classroom.”

The arrangement with the University of Phoenix allowed him to take a military job in Germany and still finish his dissertation to graduate, Sampson said.

His story, now featured in the ad campaign, is meant to inspire others to pursue higher education through the Road to Success Scholarship, which will be given to 40 individuals. Successful applicants will be engaged in advancing opportunities for others in the black community, the university release said.

“Any time you can get an African-American role model for those kids who’d rather not go to school, I think that’s always beneficial,” Sampson said.

Check out the ad for the University of Phoenix featuring Curtis Sampson at http://youtu.be/ULDH5exq-co.