La'Tesha Sampson's Appointment to M.S.W. Program Director

Seton Hall University’s College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce the appointment of La’Tesha Sampson, Ph.D., as the new director of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program, effective January 2, 2026. Sampson, who already serves as director of the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program, now takes on this dual leadership role, further strengthening the connection between social work practice and public service leadership within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Sampson’s appointment reflects both her extensive academic preparation and her commitment to advancing the field of social work. Her professional journey began with a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), followed by advanced study in public administration. She has since earned multiple credentials, including a Ph.D. and Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.), and holds professional designations such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). This interdisciplinary foundation uniquely positions her to lead programs that bridge clinical practice and policy development.

In addition to her academic achievements, Sampson brings a wealth of professional experience. She is a licensed clinical social worker and as served as the executive director of Great Joy Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey. Her background also includes entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting her innovative approach to leadership and community engagement. Despite her diverse career, her passion has consistently remained rooted in academia and the development of future professionals.

Reflecting on her new role, Sampson shared, "I am deeply honored to serve as both M.S.W. and M.P.A. program director — roles that allow me to align my passion for clinical practice with my commitment to public service leadership. This dual appointment represents more than a title; it’s a call to shape practitioners and policymakers who will drive meaningful, lasting change."

She further emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education, stating, "The Department of Social Work and Public Administration embodies our commitment to integrating practice and policy to prepare leaders equipped to navigate and transform complex systems."

The M.S.W. program at Seton Hall offers concentrations in behavioral health and forensic social work, and an advanced standing option for students who hold an accredited B.S.W. degree. In addition to this, there is an accelerated standing option for students who begin as part-time in the fall and want to transition to full time in the spring, or for students who begin their studies in the spring semester. Under Sampson’s leadership, the program is poised to continue preparing students to address complex social challenges through both direct practice and systemic change.

For more information about the M.S.W. or M.P.A. programs, please contact Michael Dooney, Ph.D., associate dean for Graduate Academic Affairs, at [email protected]. 

Categories: Education