Published on March 18, 2025 by Kameron Brown  
Diversity Forum

Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, in partnership with the Office of Student Success and Diversity, will host the 5th annual Diversity Forum on June 4, 2025., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Regions Community Resource Room, Cooney Hall 400.

Supported by the Louie M. and Betty M. Phillips Foundation, the Diversity Forum aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to create more supportive educational environments for all students.

This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers: Socioeconomic Diversity in Education,” explores ways to address the educational challenges faced by students from various backgrounds. Keynote and breakout sessions will cover instructional practices in P-12 and higher education, community resources, family support and collaboration with families. Open to teachers, administrators, parents, service providers and higher education faculty, the event aims to deepen understanding of socioeconomic diversity, its impact on classroom culture and strategies for closing achievement gaps.

“As educators and family life scientists, we are committed to using innovative teaching and service practices that addresses the diverse landscape of our communities. Doing so prepares our graduates to better serve the kingdom of God around the world,” said Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education.

“This conference represents the practical work that achieves the Samford vision to ‘be a diverse community stressing vigorous learning and personal faith’,” said De’Janae Tookes, executive director of multicultural initiatives.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Register

 
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.