Educators, scholars and leaders in character education gathered May 12–14 at Hilton Pensacola Beach Resort for the sixth annual Character Convening conference, hosted by Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education. This year’s theme, “Caught, Taught, Sought,” focused on the intentional design of environments that support character development in schools and communities.
The three-day event brought together a global audience committed to advancing character formation across educational levels. Participants included K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, and nonprofit leaders and researchers—all united by a shared vision to embed virtues like empathy, service and integrity into learning environments.
Keynote speaker, Liz Gulliford of the University of Birmingham’s Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, shared research rooted in positive psychology and virtue ethics. A thought leader in character education, Gulliford has explored key virtues such as gratitude, forgiveness and hope through multidisciplinary research and literature.
“Character is not just taught; it is caught, shaped and lived out through the environments we create,” said Kara Chism, associate professor and Character Leader in Residence at Samford. “The Character Convening is a powerful reminder that education is not only about what students know but who they are becoming. Our job as educators is to cultivate spaces where empathy, integrity and humility are not just discussed but demonstrated.”
The theme of the event highlighted a holistic approach to character formation:
- Caught: How character is absorbed through the relational culture of a school or organization
- Taught: How educators explicitly teach virtues through curriculum and pedagogy
- Sought: How students are encouraged to reflect and internalize values through personal growth and civic engagement
Samford University is nationally recognized for character development, ranked No. 2 in the nation by The Wall Street Journal. That reputation is reinforced through initiatives like the Character Convening and the university’s strategic plan, Fidelitas, which prioritizes faith, character and servant leadership across every aspect of campus life.
Clara Gerhardt, Distinguished Beeson Professor and Character Scholar in Residence, emphasized that Samford’s strong foundation in character education stems from its immersive learning opportunities.
“If we want to seek out character, as in character sought, we as an academic institution need to create opportunities where character can be sought,” said Gerhardt. “At Samford, we're doing that extremely well. We are known for our in-service learning and our empathy for the needs of others. Our students present countless hours in the community where they display humility, service, kindness, empathy. They reflect on these experiences, and ultimately that is one of the cornerstones of character building.”
Gerhardt also highlighted the transformative impact of Samford’s global programs.
“The second aspect I think we are very strong at is missions and international education opportunities,” she said. “Our study abroad and missions programs create opportunities where students are lifted out of their day-to-day environment and see a different world where their own role in that world is altered. It forces them towards group cohesion, looking out for their fellow student travelers and thinking about the needs of others. Ultimately, a lot of character in practice is building of empathy, having the eyes on the other and thinking of the other's needs as opposed to our own. I think if we can link that to gratitude, that's a very powerful combination.”
Sessions included research presentations, collaborative workshops and case studies that explored how schools can create environments that nurture both academic and moral excellence. The event also facilitated cross-sector collaboration among those working at the forefront of character development in schools and communities.
With nearly 100 guests representing universities from across the United States and beyond, this year’s convening welcomed co-sponsorships from Grand Canyon University, The University of Alabama, The University of West Alabama and Western Governors University.
“Fidelitas calls us to cultivate a community of character, and the Character Convening is a living expression of that,” Chism said. “As we look to the future, the work of character formation will remain at the heart of everything we do in Orlean Beeson School of Education.”
MORE: Learn about Orlean Beeson School of Education’s work with character education.
Those passionate about shaping future leaders of character may consider partnering with Orlean Beeson School of Education by giving to the Character Development Fund. That support advances awards, professional development, scholarly research, service initiatives and outreach efforts that equip faculty, students and community partners to lead with purpose and integrity in every sphere of influence.
GIVE: The Character Development Fund
In 2024, Orlean Beeson School of Education launched the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) through Samford Online. As is the case with all programs in the School of Education, the MSOL is infused with character education to develop graduates who understand what quality leadership is and how to effectively and positively influence the environments they lead in.
“Research indicates that our nation is experiencing a shortage of qualified, ethical, and moral leadership,” said Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education. “This program seeks to fill that shortage with the highest quality leaders and professionals.”
The new program builds upon adult learning principles, culturally responsive leadership, purpose-oriented project management, organizational communication, and values-based performance appraisal. Graduates will acquire the advanced knowledge, skills, and dispositions that characterize faith-informed leadership and produce leaders of character.
MORE: Explore Samford’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
