03/23/2024
To the Faculty, Staff, and Friends of Lincoln University:
It is with deepest sadness that we are reporting the news that Dr. Allan Samson passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024 in Oakland surrounded by his family. He was 84 years old.
For more about 40 years, Dr. Allan Samson was on the faculty of LU and served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Professor Samson was awarded a Ph.D. in Political Science from UC Berkeley as well as a J.D. from the UC San Francisco School of Law.
Dr. Allan Samson oversaw the maturation of LU and contributed enormously to the growth of LU’s reputation as an institution of learning. He was a professor, a trustee, and mentor for students, young faculty and administrators. It is difficult to list all university achievements happened during 23 years of his tenure as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (1998 - 2021). Probably the most important was Lincoln University’s student population that grew from 120 students in 2000 to 850 students in 2017. Several new programs including Doctor of Business Administration, the first doctoral program of the university, were developed and successfully implemented. Lincoln MBA program was recognized as number 3 in Northern California after UC Berkeley and Stanford U only. In 2002 the university was approved to participate in the Title IV Federal Financial Aid program and in 2020 was accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission. His signature courses in the field of Business Ethics continuously received superlative student reviews. Known for his biting sense of humor and gentlemanly demeanor, Professor Samson was beloved by his colleagues and staff. He left an indelible mark on Lincoln University and will be sorely missed.
