Published on August 17, 2025 by Morgan Black  
Cumberland Class of 2028

Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law proudly welcomed 171 first-year students this week, the largest incoming class in more than 10 years. Members of the class of 2028 represent 16 states, 57 undergraduate institutions and more than 53 academic majors.

“The class of 2028 brings an extraordinary variety of backgrounds and experiences to Cumberland,” said Cat Miaoulis, director of admission. “We’re honored they chose Cumberland to pursue their legal career and know they will thrive!”

Six members of the class have served—or currently serve—in the United States Air Force, Army, or Army National Guard. Professional experiences among the group are varied and impressive, including internships with law firms, legislators, NASA, the Alabama Securities Commission and media outlets. Several students bring prior careers as paralegals, registered nurses, firefighters, novelists, cybersecurity engineers and intelligence analysts. Others have served as EMS professionals, real estate agents, policy analysts, coaches and business owners. This cohort shines with achievement in academics, athletics and service: valedictorians, All-Americans, Eagle Scouts, private pilots, musicians, playwrights, website developers, and students with international experience—from Oxford to Kenya—are all part of the mix.

The class of 2028 began its legal journey during the robust orientation week, August 11-14. This year’s orientation theme, “Connecting through Our Stories,” encouraged students to share their unique experiences and perspectives while forming bonds that will support them throughout their legal education and careers. Activities included mock classes, introductions to faculty and resources, networking with peers, and a poverty simulation designed to deepen understanding of the systemic challenges faced by those in need. Students also took part in the law school’s annual first-year serve day, participating in hands-on service projects at various sites across Birmingham.

Lynn Hogewood, assistant dean of academic and bar success, organized the orientation week with service-focused activities in mind.

“Orientation is about more than learning where your classrooms are—it’s about shaping the mindset you’ll carry throughout law school and your career,” she said. “From the poverty simulation to our community service projects, we want students to see from day one that the law is ultimately about serving others. These activities help lay the foundation for compassionate, committed advocates who understand both the challenges and the responsibility of the profession.”

Dean Blake Hudson said the class immediately grasped the foundation that builds outstanding lawyers.

“From the very first week, they’ve shown a willingness to learn, to connect and to engage in meaningful service," he said. “This class embodies the spirit of Cumberland—highly capable, deeply committed and ready to use their talents to serve the legal profession and the communities they will impact.”

 
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.