Samford University Brock School of Business is preparing to search for a new chair to lead its accounting department. An enhanced stipend will allow us to be competitive in the market and attract top-notch candidates. To fund this initiative, the Brock School of Business Dean’s and Accounting Advisory Boards have established an Accounting Department Chair Endowment with a goal of $700,000 to create a permanent source of funding for this position.

Your support of this endowment will help assure the hiring of the right candidate who will lead Samford University Brock School of Business’s accounting program for years to come. The new chair will be a key component for the future growth of Samford’s accounting program. He or she will be integral in helping recruit more students to the accounting major and Master of Accountancy program.

To date, over $475,000 in gifts, company matches and pledges has been secured, but we aren’t finished yet. As Samford alumni, donors and friends, please consider making a gift to support this important initiative so our new chair will be set up for success, priming him or her to have a lasting impact on our students as they begin their careers.

Multi-year pledges for up to five years can be made.

Questions?

Contact Kristen Evans, Brock School of Business advancement officer, at kevans5@samford.edu or 205-726-4108.

Endowed Faculty Appointments

Funds to name and establish endowed chairs or professorships in each of the critical disciplinary areas. Such gifts would permanently endow funds to attract and retain top professors in Brock School of Business, and these new professorships would enable the school to offer expanded and high-quality programs in their designated areas.

Support the Brock School of Business Endowment Fund

Endowed Faculty Awards

Dr. Jennings B. Marshall Undergraduate Teaching Award

This award, named in honor of retired Professor of Economics Jennings B. Marshall, is given to a full-time member of the Brock School of Business faculty who demonstrates excellence in undergraduate teaching. In addition to the award, an endowment has been established in his name and will support an annual faculty stipend.

Support the Dr. Jennings  B. Marshall Undergraduate Teaching Award

Dr. Robert W. (Bill) Service Graduate Teaching Award

This award, named in honor of retired Professor of Management Bill Service, is given to a full-time member of the Brock School of Business faculty who demonstrates excellence in graduate teaching. In addition to the award, an endowment has been established in his name and will support an annual faculty stipend.

Support the Dr. Robert W. (Bill) Service Graduate Teaching Award

Excellence Funds

Brock School of Business uses these funds for enrichment opportunities for students and faculty mentors to promote excellence and take advantage of opportunities to enhance regular business education and research. Excellence funds include: 

• Accounting Program Excellence Fund
• Brock School of Business Dean's Excellence Fund
• Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis Excellence Fund
• Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing Excellence Fund
• Professional Sales Excellence Fund
• Real Estate Excellence Fund
• Risk Management and Insurance Excellence Fund
• Sports Marketing Excellence Fund

Each fund may be supported by clicking on the appropriate links above.

Cooney Hall, home to Samford University's Brock School of Business, is a state-of-the-art facility for educational instruction, faculty collaboration, student innovation and community partnership.

Opened in 2015, Cooney Hall was 100% funded by fall 2019. Thanks to the generousity of alumni, faculty, staff, friends, family and corporate partners, these funds will aid in technology upgrades, equipment replacement and general maintenance of the physical structure of Cooney Hall for years to come. 

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Annual Scholarships

Annual commitments can be signed for any amount of money, usually between $1,500-$5,000 per year for at least three years. These scholarship funds can be sponsored by individuals, families or corporations. 

Danny Wood Annual and Endowed Scholarship

Shades Mountain Baptist Church established the Danny Wood Annual and Endowed Scholarship in honor of its longtime senior pastor Danny Wood, who retired Aug. 15, 2021. Prior to graduating from Beeson Divinity School and teaching business ethics classes in Brock School of Business, Wood began his career in business. This scholarship supports  students in the social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management program who desire to pursue redemptive entrepreneurship across the globe. 

Thomas D. Russell Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the late Thomas D. Russell, a long-time trustee of Samford University, to benefit Brock School of Business students. 

Hovater Family Scholarship

The Hovater Family scholarship was established by Rod and Paula Hovater who are both Samford graduates as well as their son, Russell. Rod serves on the Brock School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. It is their desire to assist deserving students who are excelling in the classroom and hold great promise for the future. 

Kay Sims Dixon Scholarship

Bill Dixon, a 1976 Samford graduate and member of our Brock School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, created this scholarship to honor his wife, Kay Sims Dixon. Bill, now retired, was a senior vice president of marketing at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield has also been a wonderful friend of the school, generously sponsoring our Wall Street Journal newspaper program.  

Chuck and Pam Carson Scholarship for Entrepreneurs

This scholarship was created in 2009 with support from Dean Chad Carson and his wife, Merry. It supports a junior or senior Brock School of Business student who is majoring in entrepreneurship.  Preference for this award is given to students who hold a GPA of 3.0 or better, have participated in mission work, and/or seek to join a family-owned business upon graduation. 

Lillian Chandler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Brad and Amy Simpson. It is their desire to assist deserving Brock School of Business students from outside Alabama, who are excelling in the classroom and display an obvious passion for Samford University.  

Kelly Academic Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship is given by John and Laura Kelly and recognizes an excellent female student currently enrolled in Brock School of Business. Laura Kelly exemplifies excellence as a 1978 graduate who has held key leadership roles at American Express, Dunn & Bradstreet and today, CoreLogic. 

Scroggins Family Scholarship in Marketing

This scholarship was established by Judy and James Scroggins to be awarded annually to a student majoring in marketing who demonstrates a remarkable work ethic. The Scroggins’ children, Devon and Dylan, are both graduates of Brock School of Business.  

Emory and Brennis Floyd Scholarship

This generous scholarship was established by Bill Floyd ’70, M.B.A. ’75, a representative for State Farm Insurance. This fund was established to honor his parents, Emory and Brennis Floyd. Preference for this award is given to a student who is steady and hardworking and demonstrates strong integrity.  

The CFC Family Scholarship

This annual scholarship is given by Lauren Cooksey who is a 2017 cum laude Brock School of Business graduate who majored in marketing and management. The CFC stands for Cooksey, Fuller, and Carpenter…the three families that have supported Lauren throughout her education. The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 with preference given to those pursuing management, marketing or professional sales. The student should be well-rounded in academics, extra-curricular activities and show a strong work ethic. 

David Oakley Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

The David Oakley Scholarship in Entrepreneurship is awarded to a student who demonstrates two qualities beyond standard academic achievement: a deep passion for entrepreneurship and a remarkable work ethic. 

Leaders of Integrity (Proverbs 20:7) Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Bobby Bierley, a graduate of Brock School of Business, to recognize business students who exemplify high scholarship and Christian character. The recipient will show not only academic achievement, but also leadership and integrity. 

The George Jenkins Business Scholarship

The George Jenkins Business Scholarship was established by Julie Jenkins Fancelli. This significant donation honors the legacy of Fancelli’s father, George Jenkins. The fund will award scholarships annually in Brock School of Business through the 2023-24 academic year. This year we recognize 25 students for the George Jenkins Business Scholarship. 

The Reidinger-Smith Scholarship

The Reidinger-Smith Scholarship was established in 2021 by Josh (accounting, 1997) and Whitney Reidinger (management, 1999), and Donna (M.B.A. 1988) and Julian Smith, to enhance opportunities for underrepresented minority students within Brock School of Business. 

The Mac McEwen Scholarship

The Mac McEwen Scholarship was established by Ken McEwen in honor of Charles R. “Mac” McEwen, a WWII veteran and former M.B.A. student and professor. This scholarship honors his boundless work ethic and commitment to his family, and celebrates the same qualities recognized in the award recipient. In pursuing an M.B.A. while working full-time, this student has been selected as an outstanding individual who exemplifies the same sense of drive and accomplishment in their career and studies. 

The Betsy Claire Rofe and Paul Edwin Rofe Scholarship

The Betsy Claire Rofe and Paul Edwin Rofe Scholarship was established in 2019 to be awarded annually to a worthy student with a GPA of 3.0 or better. 

The Alex Tian Scholarship

The Alex Tian Scholarship was established in 2020 by Alex Tian for a business student who shows promise and potential for future success. 

The Blackerby Family Annual Scholarship

The Blackerby Family Annual Scholarship is awarded to a Brock School of Business student majoring in marketing or entrepreneurship. Preference is given to students who are members of arts organizations or participants in arts events at Samford. 

Master of Accountancy Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduate accounting students who have chosen to pursue their Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) at Samford. 

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Scholarships

The Chartered Financial Analyst program, administered by the global CFA Institute, is considered the most recognized and respected credential in the investment management industry. The CFA Institute awards scholarships annually for Samford finance students to take the CFA exams. The scholarship is awarded based on graduates’ potential to successfully pursue and obtain their CFA certification.

Endowed Scholarships

Permanently endowed and named scholarships for undergraduate and graduate Brock School of Business students. Minimum amounts for such funds would be $25,000 each, which would provide approximately $1,500 annually to a student. These scholarship funds can be sponsored by individuals, families or corporations.

Danny Wood Annual and Endowed Scholarship

Shades Mountain Baptist Church established the Danny Wood Annual and Endowed Scholarship in honor of its longtime senior pastor Danny Wood, who retired Aug. 15, 2021. Prior to graduating from Beeson Divinity School and teaching business ethics classes in Brock School of Business, Wood began his career in business. This scholarship supports  students in the social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management program who desire to pursue redemptive entrepreneurship across the globe.

Ben M. Elrod Scholarship

Established by Drs. Andrew and Jeanna Westmoreland, this scholarship honors Dr. Andrew Westmoreland’s mentor, Ben M. Elrod. Elrod served as the 13th president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas from 1988 until 1998. Westmoreland succeeded Elrod as the 14th president of Ouachita in January of 1998. Elrod's life and witness were of extraordinary significance to the members of the Westmoreland family. As the young pastor of a prominent Baptist church in Arkansas during the early 1960s, Elrod led in the racial integration of the congregation and was a lifelong proponent of racial justice. Scholarships will be awarded to Brock School of Business students who are underrepresented in the Samford student body population, or who have overcome obstacles such as socioeconomic or educational disadvantage.

Alton P. Barr Scholarship

In 1989, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Alton P. Barr created a scholarship fund in honor of their parents, both of whom attended Howard College. Mr. Barr also served as a trustee of Howard College. The Brock School of Business awards committee selects recipients who have strong academic credentials and professional promise. 

Richard D. Horsley Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established by a generous gift from Richard D. Horsley, a former Samford student and longtime trustee. Recipients of this honor are selected on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma honors organization. 

Cook's Pest Control Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence in addition to strong leadership qualities and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Marlene Mints Reed Scholarship

This scholarship was originally established by an alumna of the business school to honor Dr. Marlene Reed, a former professor and acting dean in Brock School of Business. Further funds to endow this scholarship were donated by Reed and her husband, friends and former associates. The recipient is selected on the basis of their Christian character and academic achievements.  

The Thomas P. Williams Scholarship

This scholarship was established by a gift from Thomas P. Williams. Scholarship recipients selected are worthy and deserving business majors who demonstrate academic promise and scholarship.  

William D. Geer Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the founding dean of the Brock School of Business, Dr. William D. Geer. The scholarship fund has been endowed by his friends, family, former colleagues, and alumni of the school. This scholarship recognizes academic promise of outstanding Brock School of Business freshmen. 

Robert and Camelia Holmes Scholarship

This scholarship was given by Robert Holmes Jr., a Samford University trustee, in honor of his father and mother.   

William Hester Manly Memorial Scholarship

The William Hester Manly memorial scholarship is awarded to business students who exemplify high scholarship and Christian character. The students must also hold promise of leadership and service in their chosen field. 

Joseph Oral Dean & Willard McCay Dean Memorial Scholarship

Bill and Joe Dean established the Joseph Oral Dean & Willard McCay Dean Memorial scholarship in honor of their parents. Recipients are chosen based on the evidence of character, worthiness and academic excellence. This scholarship was designed to assist worthy students with high moral character in completing their undergraduate education with less financial burden. 

Hoffman C. & Martha H. Harless Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to a business major who demonstrates scholarship, character and worthiness.  

Branan Family Scholarship

The Branan Family scholarship, in an effort to recognize outstanding students, was established to identify promising students from the freshman business school class. 

Beck A. Taylor Scholarship

Beck A. Taylor, former dean of the Brock School of Business and Samford University’s 19^th president, established this scholarship to honor students of merit majoring in economics.  Additional contributions to this fund have been received from friends, alumni, advisory board members and colleagues. The student recipient selected is based on academic achievement in the field of economics.  

Fred Hendon Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor Dr. Fred Hendon who retired from the Brock School of Business in 2007 after more than 40 years of service.  This scholarship has been funded by friends, colleagues and former students of Dr. Hendon to recognize his many years of service to the school and to Samford University.  

Mickey Newsome Scholarship in Business

This scholarship was established in 2008 by Mickey Newsome, a 1962 graduate of Brock School of Business, member of the Dean’s Advisory Board and now emeritus chairman of Hibbett Sports. The fund was created in order to honor Newsome’s 48-year career with Hibbett. 

Carolyn Mickler Murdock Scholarship

This scholarship was established by James K. Murdock in memory of his wife, Carolyn Mickler Murdock. Murdock, a 1951 graduate of Samford’s School of Business, was married to his wife for over 60 years and she often spoke to him of the value of a good education as the foundation of a successful, productive and useful life. This scholarship was established with the hope that it would provide this opportunity to many students. 

William J. Stevens Scholarship

The William (Bill) Stevens Scholarship was established in 2015 in honor of Bill Stevens’ retirement from Motion Industries by Baldor Electric, Motion Industries, Genuine Parts Company, and many other friends and family. Stevens is a 1970 graduate of Brock School of Business and is a loyal and involved alumnus of the university serving in a number of roles, including the Samford Board of Trustees and the Brock School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. Stevens served Motion Industries for 37 years, including his last 18 as president and chief executive officer. 

323 Leadership Scholarship (Colossians 3:23)

The 323 Scholarship is named for the verse in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This scholarship is awarded to a Brock School of Business student who demonstrates leadership skills as well as a passion for connecting their business skills to being a positive, Christ-centered influence in the marketplace. 

John Gary Wyatt Leadership in Business Scholarship

The John Gary Wyatt Leadership in Business Scholarship is given in loving memory of John Gary Wyatt. A graduate of Brock School of Business, Wyatt loved Samford University and was a noted Christian business leader in our community. The awardee must display evidence of Christ-centered character and a propensity for leadership. 

Avery White Memorial Scholarship

Avery Joseph White was a beloved student in the Brock School of Business who died unexpectedly on Jan. 30, 2017. He touched many lives in a positive manner as a student, friend, son, grandson, brother and member of the Brock School of Business community. The scholarship honors Brock School of Business students through association with a young man we will always remember! 

The Taylor M. Harsh Internship Award

This scholarship is endowed in loving memory of Taylor M. Harsh. It is given to an undergraduate at Samford University with a major in Brock School of Business, or, if not a business major, a minor in social entrepreneurship. The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and has in his/her personal life made a commitment to be a follower of Christ. He/she desires to see God’s Kingdom purposes accomplished by businesses that operate in an ethical fashion. The student will be involved in an internship that will allow them to work in a Business as Mission (BAM) company or a Lion’s Den company. 

Dorothy McLeod Memorial Scholarship

The Dorothy McLeod Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of the late Dorothy McLeod, by her husband, to recognize outstanding business students who excel in and out of the classroom.  

The Carl E. Miller Jr. Business and Athletics Scholarship

The Carl E. Miller Scholarship was established in June 2018. Funded by Julie Miller Clemens and Peter John Clemens IV, this scholarship celebrates the memory of Carl E. Miller Jr. who was a 1950 graduate of Howard College. He was a quarterback for the Bulldogs and went on to be a business owner and community leader in Birmingham. The scholarship goes to a business major who has a love for sports. 

The Malcolm & Betty Miller Scholarship for Student Entrepreneurs

Malcolm and Betty Miller generously established the Malcolm and Betty Miller Student Entrepreneurship Fund. This endowed fund supports young entrepreneurs in Brock School of Business by assisting with funds to help students start and run a new business. 

Russell H. Stanley Scholarship

In 1998, an endowed scholarship fund was established to honor Russell H. Stanley, M.B.A. ’86. The fund was established by his widow, Janet J. Stanley, and colleagues at RHS Associates, the company he founded. An award is made to students who, on recommendation of the faculty, demonstrated the best performance in their classes.  

Chris Morgan Scholarship

In 1998, Chris Morgan, at the time an M.B.A. student at Samford, passed away from cancer. A scholarship fund was established in his memory to assist other Samford graduate students. 

M.B.A. Alumni and M.B.A. Scholarship Funds

Through generous gifts from M.B.A. Alumni and supporters of the M.B.A. program at the Brock School of Business, we are able to grant additional scholarships to students who excel in their graduate business studies.  

The J. Howard Finch Scholarship 

The J. Howard Finch Scholarship was established in 2019 by an initial gift from the Brock School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and is supported by generous Brock School of Business faculty, staff and other alumni and supporters. The fund awards one male and one female scholarship in honor of Howard Finch’s leadership and dedication as dean from 2011-2019 and all he has done to build and strengthen Brock School of Business. 

The Justin Kyle Lett Memorial Scholarship

The Justin Kyle Lett, Dream then Do in the Name of the Lord, Memorial Scholarship 

The Teri and Joe Syslo Scholarship

The Teri and Jo Syslo Scholarship was established in 2020 by Colonel Joseph M. Syslo in memory of his wife, Teri Syslo, to recognize an exemplary student candidate for the graduate degree of Master of Business Administration at Samford University’s Brock School of Business. 

The Raymond Earl Box Memorial Scholarship

The Raymond Earl Box Memorial Scholarship was established by Betsy Rofe and Paul Rofe in memory of Raymond Earl Box, a 1957 graduate of Howard College. In addition to his love for wife Mary Jean, his three daughters Jeanie, Cindy, and Betsy, and his strong Christian faith, he had a passion for helping young people reach their potential. 

The Taylor Family Scholarship

The Taylor Family Fund was established in 2019 by Robert T. Taylor Jr. who attended Samford during the early 1980s. Later, both of his daughters attended Samford. Because Samford has had such a large place in their family history, the Taylor family wanted to help other students from Florida be a part of Samford University. 

Junior Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

This award recognizes the current junior within Brock School of Business who has earned the highest Grade Point Average within the school.