Francis Smith Sampson (November 1, 1814 – April 9, 1854) was an American theologian who was acting President of Hampden–Sydney College from 1847 to 1848.

[3] Sampson continued his studies at the University of Virginia, enrolling on September 10, 1831, and graduating with the rare, prestigious degree of M.A.

[3] In November of that year, Sampson enrolled at the Union Theological Seminary then in Hampden Sydney, Virginia where he became a teacher of Hebrew in 1838 and licensed by the East Hanover Presbytery in October 1839, and ordained by the same Presbytery in October 1941.

[3] Sampson was appointed as the Acting President of Hampden–Sydney College at the end of 1847 and served in that role until September 1848 when Charles Martin replaced him.

[4] In October 1848, he was elected professor of oriental literature and languages in the Seminary and soon thereafter received his honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Hampden–Sydney College.