Published on June 30, 2025 by Kameron Brown  
McEwan Witherspoon

For decades, women connected to Samford University have played key roles in shaping the mission and impact of the Women’s Committee of 100 —a civic organization in Birmingham, Alabama, which promotes the city’s educational, cultural and philanthropic life.

From university leadership to faculty in Orlean Beeson School of Education, the organization has long benefited from the expertise and vision of Samford women.

Monique Gardner Witherspoon, associate professor and associate dean in the school of education, recently concluded her service as the organization’s president, continuing a strong tradition of service from within the school. Sonia Carrington ’99 EdS, EdD ’02, alumna and member of the dean’s advisory board, is the newly appointed president of the Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham.

Additionally, Gwen Childs ’75, EdS ’01, alumna, member of the dean’s advisory board and Milken Educator award winner, Michelle Wilder ’93, alumna and Samford University Trustee, Jeanie Box Cook and Ruth Ash, former deans of Orlean Beeson School of Education and Samford First Lady Julie Taylor are all current or former members of The Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham.

Anna McEwan, dean of the school of education, was recently named to the Committee, joining a network of local women committed to advancing the greater Birmingham community.

“Investing in our community is part of who we are,” McEwan said. “We are proud to be part of a tradition that uplifts Birmingham through service and leadership.”

Among the organization’s distinguished past leaders is Jeanna Westmoreland, former Samford first lady, who served as president during her tenure and remains an advocate for educational advancement and community partnership.

The Women’s Committee of 100 draws members from across professional disciplines and leverages their expertise to foster civic renewal, historical preservation, scholarship support and cultural enrichment throughout the region. Its mission reflects many of the same ideals that guide Samford’s vision of servant leadership.

As current and former Samford women continue to contribute meaningfully to the Committee’s work, their collective efforts underscore the university’s lasting impact on the city of Birmingham.

“Samford women bring a strong sense of purpose to their civic engagement,” Witherspoon said. “Our commitment to education, service and faith-based leadership aligns closely with the values of the Committee.”

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.