Samford School of Education Alumna Features Christenberry Planetarium in New Book
When Cherith Fluker, EdD ’18, set out to write Secret Birmingham, she wanted to uncover lesser-known stories of her city. Released in August, the book highlights 84 distinctive sites in Birmingham, Alabama, weaving together history, culture and community. Among those featured is Samford University’s Boyd E. Christenberry Planetarium, placing the university at the heart of Birmingham’s story.
Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School celebrates Go Global Week
Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School hosted its annual Go Global Week from Oct. 6-9, as speakers and mission agencies came to campus to help both undergraduate students and Beeson students consider their place in God’s work of bringing the Gospel to all nations.
New Impact Investing Initiative Launches in Samford’s Brock School of Business
A new initiative centered around impact investing expands upon the foundation of the Social Entrepreneurship program, exposing students to the principles of aligning financial investments with social or mission-driven goals.
Francis Su Delivers 2025 Davis Lecture on Mathematics and Human Flourishing
Howard College of Arts and Sciences welcomed Francis Su, Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, as the featured speaker for the 2025 J. Roderick Davis Lecture, held Thursday, Oct. 9, in Reid Chapel.
Samford Christian Ministry Professor J.D. Payne Releases Comprehensive Guide to Evangelism
For nearly three decades, J.D. Payne has researched and taught evangelism. Now, the Thomas Welby Bozeman Chair of Christian Ministry at Samford University’s School of the Arts compiles that wealth of experience into his new book, Understanding Evangelism. The comprehensive textbook is designed to equip Christ followers for gospel witness around the world.
Samford Alumnus Scott Bush Named Leader of Ministry Training Institute
Samford University has appointed Scott Bush ’91, MDiv ’95, DMin, as director of its Ministry Training Institute (MTI).
Currently serving as senior pastor of Southcrest Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama, Bush will lead the university’s initiative to provide affordable, accessible theological education for church leaders across the Southeast.
Real Clients, Real Impact
At Cumberland School of Law, students go beyond the classroom by working on real cases under the guidance of faculty and legal professionals. From criminal appeals and parole hearings to veterans’ benefits and health care-related legal needs, Cumberland clinics give students practical experience while expanding access to justice across Alabama.
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.
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, PhD, 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.
Isbell Named SoCon Men’s Golfer Of The Week
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford sophomore Gavin Isbell was named the Southern Conference Men's Golfer of the Week when the league released its weekly golf awards Wednesday afternoon.
Bulldogs Travel To Macon To Take On Mercer Thursday
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford soccer team will travel to Macon, Ga., to take on the Mercer Bears Thursday evening at 6 p.m.(CT). The game can be seen live on ESPN+.
Men’s Golf Places Third At Turtle Point Invite
KILLEN, Ala. – The Samford men's golf team placed third in the Turtle Point Invitational, hosted by North Alabama Monday and Tuesday at Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club.
Hatcher Meets With The Media: VMI Week
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Samford head football coach Chris Hatcher met with the media Tuesday to talk about his team's latest game against Mercer and to preview this week's road game at VMI.
De Luca Named SoCon Offensive Player Of The Week
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford junior forward Sam De Luca was named the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week when the league released its weekly women's soccer awards Tuesday afternoon.
Women’s Golf Finishes Eighth At Lady Red Wolves Classic
JONESBORO, Ark. – The Samford women's golf team finished in eighth place at the Lady Red Wolves Classic, hosted by Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark.
