Foundational Statements
Approved by the Board of Trustees September 16, 2005; changes approved July 2007
IDENTITY
Samford University is a Christian community focused on student learning.
Samford was founded in 1841 by Alabama Baptists. In the present day, it maintains its ties to Alabama Baptists, extending and enhancing their original commitment by developing and maintaining in the campus community an exemplary Christian ethos and culture.
Samford University’s corporate expression of faith commitment is The Statement of Baptist Faith and Message of 1963, without amendment.
Samford offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and professional doctoral degrees, as well as continuing education and various types of worthwhile, non-degree learning.
Samford serves students through eight organizational units: Howard College of Arts and Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Cumberland School of Law, Brock School of Business, Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies, School of the Arts, Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing, and Beeson School of Divinity.
MISSION
The mission of Samford University is to nurture persons in their development of intellect, creativity, faith, and personhood. As a Christian university, the community fosters academic, career, and ethical competency while encouraging social and civic responsibility, and service to others.
CORE VALUES
The Samford community values lifelong:
- belief in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
- engagement with the life and teachings of Jesus
- learning and responsible freedom of inquiry
- personal empowerment, accountability, and responsibility
- vocational success and civic engagement
- spiritual growth and cultivation of physical well-being
- integrity, honesty, and justice
- appreciation for diverse cultures and convictions
- stewardship of all resources
- service to God, to family, to one another, and to the community.
VISION
Anchored in Christian understanding, Samford University will be a diverse community, stressing vigorous learning and personal faith, in the Baptist tradition. Within that commonality, the Community will be: innovative in teaching, learning and research; sensitive to global issues; aggressive in self-assessment and continuous improvement. Faithful to its mission, Samford will be known and acknowledged worldwide by holding to its core values. The world will be better for it.