Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences hosted the 2026 Robbins Lecture on Feb. 26. Organized by the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies, the lecture featured Pamela Ebstyne King, professor of applied developmental science in the School of Psychology and executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
King delivered three lectures throughout the day: a 10 a.m. keynote in the Wright Center focused on courage and human becoming; an 11:30 a.m. lunch and learn in the Rotunda Club examining what it means to thrive; and a 3 p.m. session in Brock Forum exploring spiritual health and the role of love in human flourishing. Across each session, she connected faith, psychology and relationships to the pursuit of a meaningful life.
The morning keynote in the Wright Center anchored the day’s conversations. A developmental psychologist and ordained Presbyterian minister, King drew from both research and theology to challenge students to think deeply about vocation, identity and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Quoting poet Mary Oliver’s question—“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”—King reminded students of both the urgency and gift of their college years.
“Each of you are wild and precious,” she said. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
She described college as “a formative time of life and a season of becoming,” marked by growth, uncertainty and possibility. In a cultural moment shaped by anxiety and comparison, King invited students to pursue something deeper than achievement.
“I want to invite you to what I call thriving,” King said. “Jesus didn’t say the thief comes to kill and destroy, and I have come that you might survive. He said he came that we might have life in the fullest.”
Drawing on the concept of telos, the Greek word for purpose, she explained that true flourishing is found not in cultural definitions of success, but in becoming more like Christ.
“Thriving is not just about growing,” King said. “It’s growing toward your purpose. We are not mass-produced Christians. Christ in you actually looks a lot like you.”
She encouraged students to resist constant comparison and to embrace the courage required to live authentically.
“It takes courage to be yourself in a world that is constantly suggesting or demanding alternatives,” she said.
The afternoon sessions built on the keynote themes, examining practical questions of spiritual health, love and meaningful living.
Through the 2026 Robbins Lecture, the Samford community was reminded that thriving is both a developmental process and a divine invitation—a call to live fully, faithfully and courageously with the one life each person has been given.
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