Published on March 3, 2026  
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Following an extensive nationwide search, Samford University has announced Dr. Nathan Shelburne as its next vice president for student affairs. Shelburne is currently the senior director of new student programs at Baylor University. His service at Samford will begin on July 1.

“Samford warmly welcomes Dr. Shelburne to the executive leadership team,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. “Throughout the search process, Dr. Shelburne proved that he embodied Samford’s dual commitments to academic and co-curricular strength and to the integration of Christian faith and learning. He will bring many years of experience to his new role at Samford, and I’m personally excited about the future of student affairs under his capable leadership.”

“I am delighted and honored to join the exceptional people in the Division of Student Affairs at Samford University,” said Shelburne. “My family and I rejoice in the Lord’s call to such a special place with a rich legacy, a vibrant present, and a bright future. I am grateful to President Taylor and the search committee for the invitation to ‘come home to Samford’ and unite in wholehearted support of and service to Samford’s extraordinary students.”

Since 2012, Shelburne has held increasingly responsible roles at Baylor in the Department of New Student Programs. He provided leadership over the staff and student leaders who support summer programs focusing on the full participant experience, from registration and communication to hospitality and session content. Thousands of new college students were shepherded through orientation sessions facilitated by his department.

Prior to his time at Baylor, Shelburne served in a variety of roles at Texas A&M University. He was assistant lecturer at the Student Learning Center, also serving as academic coach to undergraduate students. He also served as a program adviser in the Memorial Student Center. Shelburne also previously served as director of student development and campus activities at Ouachita Baptist University.

Among his many accomplishments, Shelburne has received honors from Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society in Religious Studies and is a recipient of Baylor’s Division of Student Life Rising Star Award.

Shelburne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, a Master of Science in Education from Baylor University, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University.

As a member of Samford’s executive leadership team, Shelburne’s responsibilities will include leadership over the offices of Residence Life, Greek Life, Student Development and Support–including Samford CARES, Student Life, Parent and Family Engagement, Spiritual Life, Community Engagement, Title IX and Student Conduct. He will also provide oversight to areas and functions including Campus Recreation, Family Weekend, Connections Weekend and the Freshman Retreat.

Shelburne will assume the role from Dr. Phil Kimrey who has served as Samford’s vice president for student affairs since 2009. Kimrey will retire in June after more than 30 years of service at Samford.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, 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 enrolls 6,324 students from 44 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 is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.