Pepperdine Mourns the Passing of GSEP student Jennifer Samp
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Graduate School of Education and Psychology student Jennifer Samp. The University was notified that Jennifer passed on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, due to a chronic illness.
An Atlanta Georgia native, Jennifer started at GSEP in the Fall of 2022 and was pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy and was expected to graduate in the Winter of 2025. Jennifer was admired as an accomplished researcher and educator in quantitative speech communication theory. She spent over two decades as a professor at the University of Georgia, where she earned numerous awards for her work as a scholar and teacher. Her publications and her impact on her students will resonate for many years. Jennifer's biggest pride and joy in life was her family. She and her husband raised two beautiful boys into their young adulthood. She is survived by her husband, her two sons, and her parents.
Remembering Jennifer and her time at Pepperdine, GSEP associate professor Dr. Judy Ho shared, “Jennifer was a wonderful leader who always contributed meaningfully to the classroom. She was insightful, kind, and a valued member of our Pepperdine community. She will be greatly missed and our prayers are with her family and friends during this time.”
We are planning an online memorial for our community. Details to follow.
We encourage those who feel they may need support to contact the Counseling Center (310.506.4210), where counselors are available to talk 24/7 for any emotional assistance. Out-of-state students can access ongoing counseling using the TimelyCare app. Student pastoral care is also available from the team at the Hub for Spiritual Life. Contact Tim Spivey, associate vice president of Spiritual Life, to make an appointment. For additional support or to locate a mental health professional in your community, contact the Student Care Team. Faculty and staff may reach out to University chaplain Sara Barton.
For those who wish to send condolences to Jennifer’s family, please send cards, notes, or letters to: Vice President for Student Affairs, TCC 210, Mail Code 4472. The Student Affairs office will forward all correspondence to Jennifer’s family. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to direct donations towards Save the Music Foundation or the USA Swimming Foundation.
We offer our deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family, friends, and loved ones and keep them in our hearts during this time of grief. Please join us in lifting up Jennifer’s family in prayer and remembering Jennifer as a beloved member of our Pepperdine community.