Sam Brown oversees the holistic advisement, the government compliance, and the cultural assistance for over 1,600 international students and scholars on the BYU campus. Sam works very hard to continually improve competence in his work. A mistake in government documentation could result in an international student being sent home. Sam has maintained a very efficient and hard-working office that ensures that government fees, compliance, paperwork, test scores, travel documentation, financial support, and work and study requirements are all met.
In addition, Sam works to advise students in life skills to help them be successful. This includes setting up community tours for them to know resources; classes to introduce them to academic, social, and cultural changes in the United States; and constant support with items like taxes, transportation, housing, language barriers, and healthcare. Sam ensures that international students are prepared, supported, valued, and helped through their BYU experience. He works hard on programs like International Education Week to highlight their contributions and stories. He advocates for students with donors to have funding to provide scholarships. He and his staff plan events like holiday gatherings, social events, and other forms of support for international students and families. Through Sam's efforts, international students are successfully navigating the challenges they face, and successfully graduating to return to their countries where they strengthen families, communities, and the Church.
Sam has not only ensured the student experience is great for BYU, but he has shared his knowledge and leadership with others to bring the BYU impact across the country. Sam is a subject matter expert to all Church Education schools, as well as regional and national universities. Sam has served as the chair of NAFSA (Association of International Educators) for multiple years, where he plans regional and national conferences for educators in the field. He is widely recognized as an expert, but also recognized for his warm and caring approach to individuals that shows respect and belonging to all individuals. Both administrators and students regularly seek advice and wisdom from Sam, and thousands of international students benefit from his work.
Sam is a great leader who emphasizes teamwork. He regularly has innovative approaches to bringing staff, students, and administrators together. Under his leadership, Sam’s staff regularly has the highest evaluations of support and engagement in the workplace. Sam is also regularly involved in committees, workgroups, and think tanks across campus. He is a tremendous campus partner, known for his expertise and easiness to work with.
Sam has pursued education and training in many ways to increase his knowledge and customer service delivery. This includes two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and foundations. With his education, focus on students, and eagerness to serve, he always provides the highest levels of customer service and results. Sam carefully uses sacred resources to help as many students as possible in careful and meaningful ways. He is innovative in his approach, accountable in his stewardships to staff and students, and widely admired and respected for his integrity.