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Albert Sandford
By Malynda Dorsey | Photos by Bobby Lacey
“This wasn’t a ‘right place at the right time’ situation. This was meant to be.”
This is how Missouri native Albert Sandford speaks of an experience that ultimately afforded him a full scholarship to attend Valdosta State University as well as nationwide exposure on a television show.
In the fall of 2009, then-21-year-old Sandford was stretched thin working as a guest services and front gate attendant at Silver Dollar City and attending Ozark Technical College in Branson, Mo. He had worked at the popular amusement park since he was 16 and was now using his earnings to cover tuition and fees for college.
Despite the demands of work and school, Sandford’s positive and professional attitude remained apparent. Perhaps this is why he was asked to participate in the filming of a training session for Silver Dollar City in preparation of the park’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“I was asked to spend the day with a gentleman by the name of John Briggs,” said Sandford. “The filming took two days, during which time I trained him like I would any new employee.”
What Sandford did not know was that the man posing as John Briggs was really Joel Manby, the CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, the company that owns 24 amusement parks nationwide including Silver Dollar City and Wild Adventures.
About two weeks after the filming, Sandford was flown to work at a sister park in Stone Mountain, Ga. for a day. Still oblivious to John Briggs’ true identity, Sandford was taken to Herschend’s corporate office in Atlanta after work. There he learned who his trainee really was, and that he had made such a profound impression on the CEO that he was selected to receive a full scholarship for college.
“It was a life changing moment.”
Sandford said that he doesn’t recall discussing anything out of the norm during his time training “John Briggs”.
“Our conversations were normal ones that any two people would have. While we were getting to know each other, I shared that I was in college and was paying my tuition out-of-pocket. I also shared that my mom was a waitress and really couldn’t help me like some other students’ parents could. He shared information about himself during the conversation as well.”
This simple dialogue yielded a great reward for Sandford, but the scholarship was not the only surprise that came of this experience.
“I still had no idea that I was actually filmed for an episode of a new television show called Undercover Boss,” Sandford said. “I actually didn’t find that out until the beginning of 2010 when I started seeing previews of the show on TV.”
Sandford seemed to experience overnight stardom in Branson after the show aired in Spring 2010.
“The first question that anyone who recognizes me from the show asks is if it was real. It was 100 percent real. The show is actually meant to help people. It’s a good, quality reality show to offset some of the junk on TV.”
Sandford added that as a result of the show, Herschend Family Entertainment provides a scholarship annually to 32 eligible employees at any of its parks.
So what brought Sandford to VSU? Sandford answers this question with, “Valdosta was just the right solution.”
With a full scholarship to pursue his career of choice, Sandford sought a university with a good business management program. VSU offers that program.
“My wife, Christie, was also looking for a technical college with a radiology program, which Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers. VSU and Wiregrass have the programs we were looking for and we knew we’d be close to Wild Adventures, which Herschend Family Entertainment owns.”
Shortly after getting married in June 2010, Sandford and his wife relocated to Valdosta. They both started working at Wild Adventures, Christie in the finance department, and Sandford as a front gate lead in guest services.
“I started at VSU in fall of 2010. I was able to transfer 19 credit hours from Ozark. I’m almost done with my core classes and I’ve really enjoyed the business classes I’ve taken so far.”
Sandford said that he can put more time into his studies instead of working so hard to pay for tuition.
“Before the scholarship, I was struggling in my classes because I spent so much time at work. I was at a point where I was about to give up on school because I had pushed myself to the limit. Everything has truly been a blessing. It was meant to happen. Since I’ve been at VSU, my GPA has gone up and the overall college experience seems better.”
Sandford credits the assistance of VSU Associate Director of Admissions Ryan Hogan for his smooth transition into VSU.
“He was the first person I met when I got here. We instantly developed a great relationship.”
Hogan describes Sandford as a student with high character and strong work ethic.
“I am always happy to hear of students choosing to pursue and continue their education at Valdosta State University and I am privileged to be able to play a role in that process,” Hogan said. “I got to know Albert very well while assisting him through the admissions process. I cannot say enough about his determination and work ethic. Not only is Albert a student, but also a full time employee at Wild Adventures. He is able to accomplish all of it at such a great level. This really speaks to his character and the type of person he is. We are proud to call him a Blazer.”
Upon graduation, Sandford plans to pursue a career in amusement park management and hopes to one day become the CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment.
“In my opinion, I’m already pretty successful at this point, so wherever I end up in the company is where I’m meant to be.”
Meet Albert Sandford
Academic Year: Sophomore
Expected Graduation: Fall 2013
Degree Objective: Business Management
Hometown: Branson, Missouri
High school: Branson High School
My favorite things to do on campus are… admire the architecture and sit by the fountain.
When I have free time, I like to… watch TV and spend time with my wife, Christie, and our dog, Lacee.
The three words that best describe me are… optimistic, encouraging and devoted.
My favorite place to study is… at home.
My favorite professors are… Professor Ransom Gladwin and Dr. James Muncy
My favorite class so far is… a perspective course titled "Exploring Success".
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would share it with… Don and Harold Reid from the country music group, The Statler Brothers.
The thing that I will miss the most about college… is the atmosphere.
After graduation, I plan to… continue growing and moving up in my career.
Some unique things about me are… I can lick my elbow and I am a professional juggler.
My favorite childhood memory is… watching the lighting of the Christmas tree at Silver Dollar City.
My biggest supporters in life are… My wife, my family and my friends.