STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Samuel Arthur came to Stephenville all the way from his home in Ghana in pursuit of his personal “why.” The master’s candidate in applied psychology will share his story as the student speaker at Tarleton State’s summer commencement exercises at 9 a.m. Friday, July 26.
Arthur’s “why” — the motivation that drives him — is about making a difference.
“I believe I have a role to play in making the world a better place,” said the father of two. “There are people looking up to me and I can’t give up on them. That drives me.”
Knowing that he wanted to make a difference, he earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana along with a master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University in business management.
“Once I got finished with my bachelor’s, I needed a break from the sciences,” he said. “So, in 2011, I enrolled at Dallas Baptist. Once I was done there, I went back to my home country where I had the opportunity to work with one of the private hospitals.
“While there, I saw the effect of ill mental health. It was a growing concern, so it actually brought back a passion to pursue clinical psychology. That’s what actually inspired my decision after almost 10 years.”
Arthur came to Tarleton State in 2022 after hearing about the university from his brother, who had relocated to Texas.
“He has a number of friends who came here,” Arthur said. “He knew about my interest and he mentioned that Tarleton State had a great program in psychology. I went online to research the program and I applied for it. I was excited when I was able to gain admission.”
Just prior to beginning his studies here, he became a graduate assistant in the athletics department, serving for the next two years as a mentor to Texan football players where he helped them balance the demands of the game and the classroom.
He said that most the most important aspect was preparing the student-athletes for life after school and outside of football.
Dr. Megan O’Quin and Brandon North provided the graduate assistant opportunity.
He also credits his research mentor, Dr. Jonali Baruah for her help, especially in work that would become his thesis, as well as opportunities to present at various conferences.
“I’ve been able to give three conference presentations based on research work I’ve been doing. These have shaped my thinking in terms of knowing how to question in order to find answers I’m looking for.”
With a career goal of becoming a clinical psychologist, Arthur is already planning enrollment into a PhD program.
“I’m looking at a few institutions,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for Tarleton to start its program. I know there are plans to start a program next year, so I’m looking forward to applying here.”
His mother, wife, two sons and siblings, all based in the U.S., will be in the audience Friday when he shares his story.
“I intend to share how important it is for the graduates to find their “why” as they’re going out into the world. I’ll share the challenges I have faced to help them understand we all face challenges, but we are not defined by them. I hope to give them hope to encourage them.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.