Dr. Nathan Shelburne assumed his current role of vice president for student affairs at Samford University on July 1, 2026. He came to Samford from Baylor University where he held increasingly responsible roles in the Department of New Student Programs where he provided leadership over the staff and student leaders who support summer programs focusing on the full participant experience, from registration and communication to hospitality and session content. Thousands of new college students were shepherded through orientation sessions facilitated by his department.

Prior to his time at Baylor, Shelburne served in a variety of roles at Texas A&M University. He was assistant lecturer at the Student Learning Center, also serving as academic coach to undergraduate students. He also served as a program adviser in the Memorial Student Center. Shelburne also previously served as director of student development and campus activities at Ouachita Baptist University.

Among his many accomplishments, Shelburne has received honors from Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society in Religious Studies and is a recipient of Baylor’s Division of Student Life Rising Star Award.

Shelburne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, a Master of Science in Education from Baylor University, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University.

As a member of Samford’s executive leadership team, Shelburne’s responsibilities include leadership over the offices of Residence Life, Greek Life, Student Development and Support–including Samford CARES, Student Life, Parent and Family Engagement, Spiritual Life, Community Engagement, Title IX and Student Conduct. He also provides oversight to areas and functions including Campus Recreation, Family Weekend, Connections Weekend and the Freshman Retreat.