
Cumberland School of Law Hosts Symposium Focused on the Future of Land Use Law
The Land Use and Natural Resources Law Center (LUNR) at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law welcomed legal professionals, scholars and law students to its symposium on Oct. 3. The theme, “Resilient Futures: The Next Era in Land Use Law,” provided opportunity for attendees to explore the evolving intersection of environmental stewardship, land use planning and sustainable development.

McWhorter School of Pharmacy Honors First-Year Students at White Coat Ceremony
Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy held its White Coat Ceremony honoring the Class of 2029. The event marked a key milestone in each student’s journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist and reflected Samford’s commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful, purpose-driven careers.

Howard College Faculty Navigate the Rise of AI in the Classroom: Part Two
In part one of this series, faculty of Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences reflected on how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping their classrooms, student development and vocational formation.

Cumberland School of Law Faculty Scholarship Citations, July 1-Sept. 30, 2025
The scholarship of Samford University Cumberland School of Law faculty members is frequently cited in numerous legal disciplines. The following is a list of faculty authored works cited from July 1-Sept. 30, 2025, and sourced by Westlaw Precision, Lexis+ AI, and HeinOnline.

Samford Health Sciences Students Gain Real-World Insight Through Dementia-Sensitive Care Program
Samford’s College of Health Sciences students joined the Dementia Awareness for Sensitive Healthcare (DASH) event, gaining hands-on experience and empathy to provide person-centered care for adults living with dementia.

From Parents for Parents: Scholarship Renamed in Honor of Penny and Phil Kimrey
On September 9, Dr. Phil Kimrey, Samford’s Vice President for Student Affairs, announced his plans to retire after this academic year. Phil and his wife, Penny, are well known to many of us and to countless students.

Samford University Announces New Chief of Staff and VP of Strategy
After an extensive national search, Samford University has announced Lauren Leach as its chief of staff to the president and vice president for strategy. Leach is currently the associate vice president for strategic planning with the UAB Health System. She will begin her position at Samford effective Nov. 1.

Samford Parents Association Allocates Over $80,000 Toward Student Life Initiatives
During Samford University’s Family Weekend 2025, the Parents Association allocated over $80,000 through the Good Measure Fund to support student life initiatives, including scholarships, service retreats, and spiritual development programs. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the student experience and fostering community, service, and faith on campus.

Samford School of Education Alumna Establishes Scholarship Honoring Beloved Fourth-Grade Teacher
When Shelly Mize, MSE ’98, EdS ’01, EdD ’03 reflects on her career, she quickly recognizes two sources of inspiration: Samford University and her fourth-grade teacher, LaFern Stiver. Now serving as executive director of the Children’s Policy Cooperative of Jefferson County, Mize has honored her teacher by establishing the LaFern Stiver Scholarship within Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education.

Samford Honors Former Nursing Dean Nena Sanders During Portrait Unveiling Ceremony
Nena F. Sanders, Ph.D., was celebrated for her transformative leadership and contributions to nursing education during the unveiling of her portrait, which will hang alongside that of Ida V. Moffett in the halls of Samford University’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, which also bears her name.

Giving Back: Beeson’s Hairston Shares Story of Funding Scholarship to Attending Classes
Read what led Bill and Lynn Hairston to fund a scholarship for Beeson Divinity School students.

School of Public Health Launches Dean’s Seminar Series featuring Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris
Samford’s School of Public Health launched its new Dean’s Seminar Series with Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris as the inaugural speaker. The series creates opportunities for students and faculty to engage directly with leaders addressing critical public health challenges.

Samford Pharmacy Faculty Share Expertise at International Meetings
McWhorter School of Pharmacy faculty took the global stage this summer with research presented at both the FIP World Congress and the Asian Conference on Clinical Pharmacy. Their presentations emphasized innovation in education and research, underscoring the school’s influence across regional, national and global health care.

Samford University Earns 3 Top 10 National Rankings from The Wall Street Journal
Highlighted by a #3 national ranking for quality of career preparation, Samford received elite marks in the updated WSJ rankings.

Laing Appointed to Lead Beeson Divinity School’s Center for Women in Ministry
Professor Stefana Dan Laing has been appointed to lead the Center for Women in Ministry at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School.

Purposeful Advocacy: Maya Shah Serves as Cumberland School of Law’s 2025-26 Public Interest Fellow
Third-year law student Maya Shah walks the halls of Cumberland School of Law, she carries more than textbooks and case briefs—she carries a deep, personal commitment to justice and compassion. As the 2025–26 public interest fellow, Shah is channeling her experiences and values into a career that uplifts others, especially those navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

Samford Debate Excels at Season’s First Tournament
Samford University’s debate team opened its season with a strong performance at the 55th Annual JW Patterson Debates, hosted by the University of Kentucky.

Samford Dedicates Residence Halls in Tribute to Trailblazer Audrey Lattimore Gaston Howard, Philanthropist Marvin L. Mann
Samford University dedicated two first-year residence halls in honor of civil rights pioneer Audrey Lattimore Gaston Howard and philanthropist Marvin L. Mann, weaving their legacies into the daily rhythm of campus life.

Volleyball To Play Two Conference Matches On The Road
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Samford volleyball team will play two conference matches on the road at Western Carolina and Chattanooga.

Bulldogs Set To Host VMI Friday
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford soccer team will play host to the VMI Keydets Friday at 4 p.m. at Shauna Yelton Field. The game can be seen live on ESPN+.

Sardinha and Harrison Win The Orange Draw At The Battle On The Plains
AUBURN, Ala.- Vitorio Sardinha and Seb Harrison won the orange draw at The Battle On The Plains in Auburn, AL.

Cordes and Tarpley Named To SoCon SAAC Board and Representatives
SPARTANBURG, S.C.- Samford volleyball player, Ally Cordes and Samford women's basketball player, Alyssa Tarpley named to the Southern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Samford Women’s Tennis Doubles Teams Dominate in Second Round Robin
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Samford Women's Tennis Team hosted the second Samford Round Robin of the Fall season.
The Bulldogs doubles teams looked dominate in their second tournament of the season, winning seven out of eight of their matches.

Samford Baseball To Take On National Champion LSU In Fall Game
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – As the Samford baseball team gets set to begin its full fall season in preparation for the spring season, the Bulldogs will also be getting ready to play defending National Champions LSU in a fall game for the second season in a row. The game will be played at Keesler Federal Park, the home of the Biloxi Shuckers, on Sunday, November 2.