Samantha Beams has served as the associate dean of Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences since January 2025. But her connection to The University of Tulsa and Oxley extends back to 2008, when she was hired as a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology & Rehabilitative Sciences (KRS). Along the way, Beams has received several accolades that testify to her positive impact on students, including an Excellence in Teaching Award and being named one of UTulsa Athletics’ Most Valuable Professors.
In this interview, you will get to know more about this vivacious professor, administrator, community-builder and outdoor enthusiast.
What are some of the roles you have played at UTulsa during the past 17 years?
My original focus as a clinical faculty member was on K-12 teacher preparation for physical education. I also assisted with curriculum planning, coordinated physical education teaching placements and supervised student teachers.
As my career developed, I had the opportunity to take on responsibilities outside KRS. These included multiple committees within Oxley as well as the university in general and serving on Faculty Senate. Taken together, these enabled me to build the skills I now employ as associate dean.
Fortunately, even with my new role, I am able to teach, which brings me a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction. These days, most of my teaching entails health education, wellness, physical literacy, methodology and coaching education. In addition, I oversee public service credit and some practicum courses.
Student support has always been at the heart of your work. Why is that so important to you?
One of the truly remarkable things about UTulsa is the way faculty and administrators make students – and student success – their primary focus. It’s really what sets us apart from other universities. Outside of their teaching, I can’t say enough good things about the dedication professors here show to making genuine connections with students, mentoring them, providing meaningful career advice and, probably most importantly, developing a positive, healthy climate for learning and growth.
Within Oxley, the continued growth of our programs is a testament to the need we are serving and the quality of education we’re providing. Our faculty are engaging in high-quality research and, importantly, actively involving students in it. I’m also really impressed and excited by the many pathways we’ve developed for students to get involved in the community through research, internships and public service.
The lasting value of our faculty’s commitment is shown in the amazing impact of Oxley graduates. Our alumni include, to name just a handful, medical professionals, rehab specialists, wellness coaches, civil servants, educators – all of them at the forefront of their professions.
As an associate dean, what does your work entail?
One major position focused on managing and addressing concerns surrounding students’ academic performance and helping them to meet their various goals. That experience prepared me for my current role. While I continue to interact with students, my main thrust is helping faculty obtain the resources they need to continue to be successful in the classroom so they can develop and sustain great learning experiences for their students.
Who are some of the people at UTulsa who have particularly inspired you?
I have been immensely fortunate to be surrounded and supported by faculty, staff and administrators who see it as their mission to help their colleagues excel. In KRS, my fellow faculty take the time to listen to me, and I benefit from our open and honest conversations. We know we can share ideas, agree to disagree and still support one another, even after a tough conversation.
Thinking about the individuals who have been particularly helpful, I want to begin by mentioning Greg Gardner. He has always believed in me and, back in 2008, was the one who offered me my position at UTulsa. More recently, I am thankful to the college’s inaugural dean, Dr. Susan Pepin, who saw in me the potential to become associate dean.
Susan Gaston, the former director of the School of Nursing, always took the time to remind me to stop and look at things through a fresh lens. She encouraged me to be aware of what was going on around me and to think about how to make an impact in both the short and long terms. I am not alone in missing her kindness and wisdom.
Outside Oxley, I want to give a shoutout to Lisa Martin, the director of operations in the Collins College of Business, and Sheila Givens, UTulsa’s director of student success initiatives. Both of these wonderful people have always generously given me their time and advice, as well as helped me see things in a new light.
How do you unwind, relax and restore your energy?
Striking a balance between work and the rest of your life is essential if you want to keep healthy and happy. One of my favorite ways to catch my breath and re-energize is to spend time outdoors. As often as I can, you’ll find me hiking, kayaking, fishing and camping plus visiting as many of our country’s stunning national parks as possible!
And then there’s the quieter joy of spending time with my family close to home. I’m blessed to have several grandkids, and when we’re together we gather acorns, poke around finding bugs, spend days at the zoo or just play games at the dining room table or read books together on the couch.
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