Photo Two Education Students CAEP Accreditation
Building Excellence Through Accreditation: How Samford’s School of Education is Leaning Into the CAEP Process
As Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education continues its accreditation cycle with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the process serves as more than a requirement. It provides a structured opportunity to reflect, refine and demonstrate the ongoing strength of a Samford education.
Photo Celeste Hill with Horse for New AAS Concentration
Samford School of Education to Launch Animal Assisted Services Concentration
Beginning in fall 2026, Samford University Orlean Beeson School of Education’s Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) will expand academic opportunities for students by offering a new concentration in Animal Assisted Services (AAS).
Photo Laura Casey Coaches for Character
Samford Emphasizes Character Education as Foundation for Coaching Leadership
Character education is a defining strength of Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education’s mission, shaping graduates who lead with purpose, integrity and compassion.
 
Photo Four Education Employees Visit Ecuador
Supporting Education in Ecuador Through Professional Development
Classrooms in Quito, Ecuador, may look different, but the heart of education remains the same. Students learning together. Teachers leading with purpose. Communities built through shared experiences.
Photo Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
Expanding Learning Opportunities Through Two New Certificate Programs
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education is developing two new credit-bearing certificate programs designed to equip educators with relevant skills while remaining grounded in the University’s Christ-centered mission.
Photo Bill Mann Principal at Vestavia Freshman Campus
When the Mission Can’t Fail: What Schools Can Learn About Leadership and Collaboration
In the military, missions are carried out with high stakes and no margin for failure. For Samford University alumnus Billy Mann, EdD ’25, that reality felt strikingly familiar.
 
Photo Ali Grace Williams 2026 Graduate
How Samford Has Prepared Ali Grace Williams for Success in the Middle School Classroom
The transition to middle school marks one of the most formative years for students, and for graduating senior Ali Grace Williams, it is exactly where she feels called to serve.
Photo Landon Kight with President Beck Taylor
Shaped by Service to Others: Landon Kight’s Journey Towards Impact
Through his time in Samford University’s Human Development and Family Science program, Landon Kight has learned that understanding people is at the heart of making a meaningful impact.
Photo Reese Wrather
How Reese Wrather Integrated Passion and Purpose During Her Time at Samford
Reese Wrather arrived at Samford University with a clear sense of what she was looking for: a place where she could pursue both her calling to teach and her passion for dance. What she found was something more.
 
Photo Education Student Presenting Research at SSRC
Building Confidence Through Student Research: School of Education Students Present at Annual Research Colloquia
At Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, undergraduate research is a defining part of the student experience. In fact, 100% of students in Teacher Education and Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) complete original research projects, exploring questions that connect directly to their coursework and future professions.
Photo School of Education Awards Ceremony 2026
School of Education Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual Awards Ceremony
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education held its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, celebrating students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and character.
Photo Kim Kiel AHSAA Hall Of Fame 2026
Kim Kiel Honored with AHSAA Hall of Fame Induction, Continues Leadership Path at Samford
Kim Kiel, Pelham City Schools assistant superintendent and current Samford University Orlean Beeson School of Education graduate student, has been named to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
 
Photo Sie Clay and Samara Clay
A Full Circle Season: Samford Employee Prepares to Graduate While Her Daughter Begins Her Samford Journey
For Sie Clay, this season in her life represents both an ending and a beginning. As she prepares to graduate with her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) through Samford Online, her daughter, Samara, is completing her freshman year studying Human Development and Family Science (HDFS).
Photo Chad Holden
Championing Public Education: Holden’s Journey to Statewide Impact
When Samford University alumnus Chad Holden, EdD ’18, steps into his new role as executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) on July 1, he will bring more than a title. He will bring perspective shaped by more than two decades in public education.
Photo Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst Speaks on Boundaries and Trust at 15th Annual Corts Distinguished Author Series
Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst visited Samford University as the featured speaker for the 15th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series hosted by Orlean Beeson School of Education.
 
Photo Kara Chism serving in Ecuador1
Leading with Courage: Samford Education Faculty Prepare to Provide Professional Development in Ecuador
This spring break, a team of School of Education faculty will travel to Ecuador to build relationships with three schools, provide professional development and assess opportunities for future student involvement. This initiative reflects the School of Education’s commitment to leading with purpose and preparing educators to serve globally.
Photo Ashley George Trinity Forum 2026
Building Bridges Across Generations: Samford’s 2026 Trinity Forum Encourages Dialogue and Understanding
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, in partnership with the Office of Community Enrichment, hosted the 2026 Trinity Forum on Feb. 17, bringing together educators, students and community partners for an evening of dialogue centered on generational differences in teaching and learning.
Photo Education Trinity Forum Graphic
Samford’s School of Education New Trinity Forum to Focus on Addressing Generational Differences in Teaching and Learning
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education and the Office of Community Enrichment will host a new event, The Trinity Forum, on Feb. 17, 2026, 5:30-8 p.m., in the Regions Community Resource Room, Cooney Hall 400.