Dr. Andrew Westmoreland

Samford University President

Dr. Andrew Westmoreland became the 18th president of Samford University on June 1, 2006. Before his selection as president by the Samford University Board of Trustees, he served eight years as president of Ouachita Baptist University, as well as on the administrative staff for more than 19 years in various capacities.

Dr. Westmoreland is a graduate of Ouachita, having received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1979. He earned a master’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He graduated from Batesville (Arkansas) High School in 1975.

As vice president for development at Ouachita, Dr. Westmoreland was responsible for the coordination of all areas of institutional advancement, including student recruitment, public relations, alumni relations and fund-raising. When he was named executive vice president in 1995, he assumed oversight responsibilities for all administrative operations, including internal affairs and student services.

While at Ouachita, Dr. Westmoreland directed the Decade of Progress Campaign, which surpassed its phase-one goal of $26.7 million with gifts and pledges totaling $27.8 million. He planned and directed the second phase of the campaign that surpassed its goal of $40 million. During his tenure as president, Ouachita launched the Circle of Excellence Campaign in March, 2002, the first phase of which exceeded its goal of $62.5 million in May, 2005.

In addition to his duties as president of Ouachita, Dr. Westmoreland served as professor of political science and education. He taught a course in political science each semester. His book, Leading by Design, was published by Baxter Press in 2005.

Dr. Westmoreland is a member of many boards for charities and corporations. His current and past service includes: vice chair of the board of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities; chair of the board of directors of the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools; trustee for the Baptist Health Corporation Board (Arkansas); director for the Foundation for Independent Higher Education; director for Elk Horn Bank and Trust and chair of the bank’s Executive Committee; vice president of the Gulf South Athletic Conference; chair of the Consortium for Global Education; and director for the Southwest Arkansas Technology Learning Center. He also has served as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.

Dr. Westmoreland is married to Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland, who served as professor of education and dean of Ouachita’s School of Education. The Westmorelands have one daughter, Riley Elizabeth.