The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is pleased to announce Dr. Ranjan Maitra as the inaugural holder of the Charles and Vicki Sampson Professorship in Statistics. This appointment honors Maitra’s outstanding contributions to the field of statistics and recognizes his continued excellence in research, teaching, and professional development.
The Charles and Vicki Sampson Professorship was established by a generous gift from Vicki Sampson in memory of her late husband, Charles Sampson, an Iowa State graduate who earned his Ph.D. in biostatistics in 1968. The professorship is intended to provide financial support to faculty members in the Department of Statistics. Funds from the professorship can be used for salary supplementation, research support, travel, graduate assistant or postdoctoral stipends, and other needs that align with the goals of advancing the field of statistics. This position will allow the recipient to further their research and teaching, directly impacting students and the broader community of statisticians.
Charles Sampson’s career was defined by his dedication to the field of applied statistics, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry, where he played a key role in advancing statistical methods. Charles was a tireless advocate for applied statisticians, focusing much of his energy on the recruitment, education, and employment of statisticians in industry. His legacy continues to inspire the profession, and the creation of this professorship reflects the enduring impact of his work.
Charles and Vicki Sampson are longtime supporters of our Department of Statistics. They have given generously to the Statistical Laboratory Fund, the T. A. Bancroft Statistics Award Fund, and the Vince Sposito Statistical Computing Award Fund. Before creating the Charles and Vicki Sampson Professorship, Charles and Vicki established the Sampson Legacy Fund for Excellence in Statistics and made a major contribution to support the 2008-2009 renovation of Snedecor Hall. Students, staff, and faculty in the Department of Statistics have benefitted from Sampson support for more than four decades.
Dr. Ranjan Maitra, Professor and Associate Chair for Research, has been appointed as the first holder of the professorship. He is known for his innovative research in statistical methodology and his commitment to educating the next generation of statisticians. His work has contributed to various areas of applied statistics, making him an ideal recipient of the Charles and Vicki Sampson Professorship.
The Department of Statistics is proud to have Dr. Maitra as the inaugural Charles and Vicki Sampson Professor. His dedication to the field of statistics and his passion for teaching and mentorship embody the very values that this position was created to support. We congratulate Dr. Maitra on this appointment and look forward to his continued contributions to the department and to the field of statistics.