Brinkley-Lane Profile: Sam Smith
After Sam Smith zeroed in on construction as a career, he looked at colleges for his best option. The Youngsville resident didn’t look long.
“I first became interested in ECU because I have two neighbors that went there for construction management and loved it,” he said. “After touring the campus multiple times and meeting with students and faculty, I knew ECU was home to me. The campus is beautiful, and I could tell the staff and students cared about me. ECU values having a strong community.”
Smith will be joining East Carolina University this fall as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students. It offers unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
“I am honored to be a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, and it means the world to me,” Smith said. “Knowing I am now a part of a tight-knit community that values excellence and serving the community is something unimaginable. I plan to use this opportunity to continue giving back and leading others.”
Smith, the son of Chris and Cathy Smith, said a construction class in his freshmen year at Wakefield High School sparked his interest in construction management.
“I always loved doing hands-on activities, and after taking that class, I knew construction was for me,” he said. “I had a wonderful teacher that made the class fun while also teaching us everything we needed to know. I continued to take three more construction classes throughout my sophomore and junior years.”
His goal is to become a residential project manager.
“I want to own my company and build safe and lasting houses for people to live in,” he said.
In a way, he’s already started on that path as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
“Knowing that I would be learning construction skills while volunteering in building families forever homes made me want to do this,” the 17-year-old said.
At ECU, he plans to get involved in construction-related student organizations and is considering Australia as a study-abroad destination.
“I look forward to meeting so many new people and making everlasting friendships,” he said. “I am excited for all the sporting events and especially construction related activities. I am also excited to hang out and work with the wonderful Brinkley-Lane Scholars community.”
Smith won’t be slowing down this summer, mowing grass, trimming bushes and even building chicken coops with the landscape business he started four years ago.
“It is something I enjoy and am very passionate about,” he said.
Smith said it’s his chance to be outside.
“I love to be outdoors,” he said. “Whether this is by hunting, landscaping, sports or riding four-wheelers, I love being in nature and enjoying time with friends.”
“After touring the campus multiple times and meeting with students and faculty, I knew ECU was home to me.”
High school: Wakefield High School
Intended major: Construction management
Current City: Youngsville