A native of Beattyville, Kentucky (Lee County), Sam earned her bachelor's degree in Appalachian Literature here at Berea College and is excited to again serve students. For many years, she has been active in the queer community of Berea and broader region. She joins us from The New Opportunity School for Women and remains a vocal advocate of sex and gender inclusion within Appalachian history and remembrance, working to uncover pieces of mountain stories and culture often ignored by the larger media. Having always encouraged queer stories as part of the larger tapestry of how Appalachia knows itself, Sam now looks forward to curating LGBTQ+ resources at Berea College for students who likewise seek to see themselves reflected in the region and mission of the College.

Sam lives her life by the ethos that joy is the ultimate act of resistance. She curates this joy through love of music (of all genres), gardening and spending time outdoors, cooking good food, and reading and writing. If not porch sitting at her house, you will find Sam attending rock shows or meetings about local housing issues, working to ‘queer’ the household.