Bruce A. Samson

Bruce Adams Samson (1938 – October 14, 2017) was an American businessman and university administrator who served as the eighth president of the University of Tampa from 1986 to 1991. He successfully eliminated the university's budget deficit and oversaw major campus renovations during his tenure.

Early life and education

Samson was born in 1938 in Tampa, Florida, attending Ballast Point Elementary School and H.B. Plant High School.

University of Tampa presidency

Samson was initially hired as interim president in 1986, with the interim designation removed in 1987.

Community involvement

Samson held numerous leadership positions in Tampa Bay organizations, including chairman of the Tampa Sports Authority, vice-chairman of Tampa Bay International Terminals, and trustee of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. He was a founding member of the Tampa Bay Committee on Foreign Relations and Tampa Bay World Trade Center. In 1992, he served as king of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Personal life and death

Samson received an honorary doctorate from The University of the South in 1990. He was married to Adajean and had three daughters. He died peacefully at home on October 14, 2017, after an extended illness at age 79.

Legacy

Samson's presidency stabilized the University of Tampa financially and academically. His creation of the college structure became a lasting organizational feature, and his restoration of Plant Hall preserved one of Tampa's architectural landmarks.