Dr. Sam Gladding, Former WFU Counseling Chair Renowned for His Work, Dies at 76

Dr. Sam Gladding, a former president of the American Counseling Association, counseling department chairman at Wake Forest University and therapist with CareNet Counseling, died Monday afternoon at 76 of brain cancer.

“Dr. Gladding was an extraordinary scholar and counselor,” said Bryan Hatcher, CareNet president. “Sam contributed multiple books and articles, taught countless students, and helped to improve the lives of thousands over the course of his career. More importantly, he was an extraordinary human being and will be missed.”

In addition to the roles noted above, Dr. Gladding during his career also served as president of the American Association of State Counseling Boards, Chi Sigma Iota International, the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, the Association for Specialists in Group Work, and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. He was a prolific author, having written 18 books.

Dr. Gladding was known for his kindly demeanor and creative approach to the counseling profession, something highlighted in one of his books, Creative Arts in Counseling. 

Dr. Nathaniel Ivers, the current chair of the counseling department at Wake Forest University, called Dr. Gladding “a giant in the counseling profession, a compassionate leader at Wake Forest, and a wonderful friend, colleague, mentor, advisor, and teacher. He was very kind, caring, supportive, and humble, as well as exceptionally creative, whimsical, and productive.”

Barbara Saulpaugh, director of CareNet’s Piedmont Triad regional office where Dr. Gladding did therapy in years past, noted that he has spoken at fundraisers for the organization.

“Sam was an all-around great human who made an impact on many,” she said.