She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from West Virginia University, dual master’s degrees in reading and leadership from Marshall University, and a doctoral degree from West Virginia University in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on reading. She has taught in the Upshur County school system for 16 years in a variety of positions. Samples has also served on the Upshur County Board of Education for two years. At Wesleyan, she is responsible for courses that primarily deal with literacy and reading on both the undergraduate and graduate levels.