Cheryl Sam Shelton is a Theatre Instructor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette She received her BFA from UL and completed her studies with an MA in Theatre from Regent University. She is a professional actress with credits in film, television, and theatre. After graduating from UL, she worked as an acting coach giving lessons to both kids and adults. She also worked as an educator, teaching at various schools in Lafayette and Iberia Parishes. While a student at UL, Cheryl portrayed the roles of Snug in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Cassandra in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. She performed in community theatre as well, portraying Lena "Mama" Younger in A Raisin in the Sun and Granny and Cinderella's mother in Into the Woods. In 2020 she returned to UL as a Theatre alumna to perform the role of Beartrice Albans in The House that Will Not Stand. She's received several awards ranging from academic achievements to an IPAL Essie Award (Best Actress in a Dramatic Play for her work on A Raisin in the Sun) and a Rosie Award.