Lawrence Sampleton is honored with an award given to changemakers for their positive contributions to the enrollment industry.

The Enrollment Management Association, the nation's leading association dedicated to helping independent school leaders with their enrollment needs, honored Lawrence Sampleton, associate head of school for enrollment management and financial aid, with the William B. Bretnall Award. The annual award is given to educational leaders who have made significant contributions to the admission field. Sampleton is one of five independent school educators honored at the recent EMA Austin conference.

“This honor is deeply humbling, to be in the same category of leaders and educators who have received it before me,” said Sampleton during his acceptance speech.

Sampleton has spent the last 37 years in independent school education, serving in a wide range of roles at St. Stephen's. In addition to enrollment leadership, he has coached girls basketball, track and football, and served as a dorm parent, residential administrator and advisor. 

He's a former board chair of the EMA and currently serves on the boards of the National Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Boarding Schools. 

Before entering education, Sampleton was a standout football player at Seguin High School, the University of Texas, and in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins.

“I’ve been fortunate to spend my entire admission career in this great city — Austin, Texas — at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School,” remarked Sampleton. “Prior to my career in education, I spent five years playing in the NFL and I must say, having a positive impact on young lives is just as rewarding as catching touchdowns. What’s most rewarding for me is connecting families with schools that fit their individual needs while assuring each student feels seen, valued and supported.”

Sampleton said the Bretnall Award is not just an individual award but one that he shares with special people in his life.

“I share this award with the extraordinary colleagues I’ve worked alongside over the years,” said Sampleton. “I’ve been surrounded by teams who bring passion, creativity and dedication to our united mission every single day. I would like to especially recognize Martha Black and Allison Center who, for over 25 years, have been instrumental in keeping our school fully enrolled and who apply strategy, innovation and fun. I also want to thank the long list of mentors and peers who have guided and challenged me over the last 34 years. Through them I have learned that leadership is as much about listening as it is about speaking. And of course, I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and understanding through all the travel, long days and late nights.”

St. Stephen’s student musicians were also in the room and part of the esteemed awards ceremony and celebration. Members of the select chamber ensemble including Scott Ma ’27, Sam Shea ’27, Anwyn Wang ’28, Sophia Holland ’28, Annie Ehrlich ’26, Mia Ip ’27, Austin Chiu ’26 were invited to open the ceremony. The ensemble performed a number of classical selections. 

Learn more about the St. Stephen’s admission office here.