Dr. Samantha Byrd earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Master of Social Work at Concord University before completing her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2023. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Concord’s Social Work Program and as Grant Manager for the Concord University Research and Development Corporation, where she oversees major Title IV-E and IV-B initiatives supporting social work education, foster care training, and workforce development across the state. A Licensed Graduate Social Worker in West Virginia, Dr. Byrd integrates teaching, leadership, and service through her extensive community involvement, including serving on the board of Child Protect of Mercer County, managing the Mercer County Foster Closet, leading a foster parent support group, and contributing more than a decade of service to Royal Family KIDS Camp. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening families, supporting children in foster care, and advancing the impact of Concord University throughout the region.