Immaculata Alumna Named 2026 ‘Happening Woman’ for Student, Community Impact

Samantha Gross ’25, Ed.D., knows the impact of education extends far beyond the classroom. A graduate of Immaculata University’s Ed.D. in Higher Education program, Gross has built her career around identifying challenges, creating solutions and supporting students and families in meaningful ways.

In recognition of her dedication to service and leadership, Gross was named by Bucks Happening Magazine among the 2026 “Happening Women,” an honor recognizing women who make meaningful contributions to their communities through leadership, service, creativity and passion. She was recognized for her leadership at Bucks County Community College (BCCC), her advocacy for students and families, and her longstanding commitment to strengthening the Bucks County community.

Gross serves as dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at BCCC, where she has helped develop programs and initiatives that support students both inside and outside the classroom. She created Bucks Holiday Helpers, an initiative that provides students with the opportunity to give holiday gifts to their loved ones, and through partnerships with organizations such as the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and United Way, Gross has helped expand resources and strengthen support services for students. She also serves as a board member of the Bucks County Opportunity Council and is the co-founder of BCCC’s food insecurity program and emergency fund.

While Gross initially aspired to become a professor, her career path evolved as she discovered new opportunities to support students on a broader level. As a working professional raising two children, she chose Immaculata University for her doctoral studies because the program’s flexible learning model with synchronous and asynchronous online classes, allowed her to balance her professional responsibilities while remaining present for her family.

Through her doctoral studies, Gross gained a deeper understanding of the challenges parenting students encounter while pursuing higher education. Her studies became a foundation for the work she would later do to support students at BCCC. Using the knowledge and research developed during her time at Immaculata, Gross secured a Pennsylvania Department of Education grant that now provides scholarships and emergency funds to support BCCC students balancing coursework with parenthood.

“I believe my doctoral work at Immaculata was the reason that I was able to write the grant application,” Gross said. “I relied heavily on the research that I did to craft the narrative for the grant. Having the statement of the problem and research to support it was invaluable.”

For Gross, the ability to translate research into action represents the lasting value of her doctoral experience. The same perspective that guided her research continues to shape her leadership philosophy and understanding that students and employees bring their full lives with them wherever they go.

“I know that people are not always able to check their lives at the door, good or bad,” Gross said. “I ask myself, ‘How can I best support or celebrate?’ Maybe there’s something I can do to meet this person where they are to help them do their best work in the classroom or as an employee.”

Gross emphasized that personal circumstances can affect academic and professional journeys, and she believes educational leaders should focus on finding solutions rather than creating barriers.

Although Gross considers seeing her research translated into a state grant one of the proudest moments of her career, she says she has not yet reached her ultimate definition of success.

“There are always students to help and new initiatives to pursue,” Gross said. “I think every graduate is a success story, every student who is able to secure family-sustaining employment is a success.”

For those navigating the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with professional and academic ambitions, Gross offers encouragement rooted in her own experience, “You are going to reach your goals, and there are so many people at Immaculata who want to help you. Sometimes you need to ask for help or be willing to accept it when offered.”