Sam Figard

Sam has recently become a member of the University of Southern Maine community after relocating from Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management with a concentration in LGBTQIA+ Advocacy at Slippery Rock University. Afterward, she attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, culminating in the completion of her master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education.

Prior to assuming the role of Confidential Resource Advisor (CRA) for both the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, Sam was admitted to USM as a doctoral student, where she is presently working towards a PhD in Leadership.

As the Confidential Resource Advisor, Sam strives to incorporate identity-conscious practices in her endeavors to offer support and prevention education for interpersonal violence. She is committed to eliminating the outdated cisheteronormative narratives that often permeate this field, ensuring that they no longer impact her approach. Sam’s personal objective is to transform interpersonal violence prevention education and support services into a safer and more inclusive space, particularly for individuals with historically marginalized identities.