
110 Years of Enriching Communities and Empowering Students
In 2025, Samford University's Orlean Beeson School of Education celebrates 110 years of excellence, tracing its roots back to the establishment of teacher education programs at Howard College in 1915 when Nannie Merle Hidden became the first woman to lead an academic department and became dean of women and professor of education. Since then, the school has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enriching communities and preparing graduates empowered to educate, lead and serve.

Samford’s Ministry Training Institute Sees Record Enrollment in Shelby County
Samford University’s Ministry Training Institute (MTI) has been equipping Christians to become leaders in their churches and communities through theological education and practical ministry training for more than 75 years. The program equips ministers and lay-leaders to live out their calling to service, without the financial pressure and time commitment of formal seminary training.

Samford Hosts Institute on Faith and Simulation for Social Work Educators from Across the Country
Samford University’s School of Public Health hosted the Institute on Faith and Simulation, bringing together social work educators to explore how simulation can help students integrate faith into professional practice. Held in partnership with the Experiential Learning and Simulation Center, the event addressed the growing demand for faith-based approaches in mental health and social work.

Interprofessional Practice in Action at Samford University’s Case Competition
Students from the College of Health Sciences and Divinity School competed in the Interprofessional Practice Case Competition to create a care plan for a simulated patient.

Samford Debate Finishes Regular Season Strong, Prepares for National Debate Tournament
Samford’s debate team capped its regular season with a strong performances at the American Debate Association National Championship, setting the stage for an appearance at the National Debate Tournament.

Samford Announces Core Texts Abroad Endowed Scholarship, Selects 20 Students for Core Texts London 2025
Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences recently announced the establishment of the Core Texts Abroad Endowed Scholarship, an initiative designed to support student participation in the Core Texts Abroad program.

Grace Fennimore: Serving Her Country and Campus with Dedication
When Grace Fennimore walks across the stage to receive her diploma in May, she will exemplify the merger of academia and service.

Global Advocacy Experts to Headline Cumberland School of Law’s Second Annual International CLE Conference
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law will host its second annual international continuing legal education (CLE) conference, The Art of Advocacy, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 29-July 1, 2025. With sessions led by U.S. and U.K. presenters, participants will earn 12 CLE credit hours* while immersing themselves in a unique cultural experience.

Caroline Shunk '16, Samford Alumna and Founder of Her Search, Visits at Women’s History Month Event
In honor of Women’s History Month in March, Brock School of Business hosted a celebratory brunch featuring keynote speaker Caroline Shunk ‘16 to honor the achievements of women on campus and in Birmingham’s business community.

President of Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary visits Beeson
Ivan Rusyn, president of of Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary, recently visited Beeson and visited with faculty and students to share what's happening in Ukraine amidst the ongoing war.

Cumberland School of Law National Trial Team Wins Fifth Consecutive Regional Championship of American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
In March, Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s National Trial Team traveled to Chicago, where they won the Midwest Region of the American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition and will advance to nationals in Atlanta in April. The win marks the fifth straight year that Cumberland has won the regional competition.

Cumberland School of Law National Mediation Team Wins American Bar Association Regional Mediation Competition
Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s National Mediation Team won the American Bar Association’s Representation in Mediation Regional Competition, March 1-2, and will advance to the national tournament in Chicago.

Samford’s School of Education Hosts Lucy S. R. Austen for 14th Annual Corts Distinguished Author Series
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted “The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Elliot” during its 14th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series in Brock Recital Hall on March 4. Lucy S. R. Austen, author of Elisabeth Elliot: A Life, delivered a lecture and Q&A exploring the remarkable life of one of the 20th century’s most influential Christian women.

Samford Pharmacy Student Kennedy Shoemaker Named Alabama Schweitzer Fellow
Kennedy Shoemaker, a second-year student in Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy, has been named to the 2025-26 class of Alabama Schweitzer Fellows. Over the next 15 months, she will work on community health projects, addressing critical health challenges while developing leadership skills.

From Parents, For Parents: A Message from Ellis and Briant Noland
As the parents of one Samford University graduate, and a second on her way, we know firsthand the emotions you are feeling as commencement approaches. It is a season of joy and pride, yet also one of bittersweet reflection. The child you raised, nurtured and guided through years of schooling is now stepping into the next chapter of life. It is a moment filled with celebration but also with a tinge of sadness as you realize how quickly the years have passed.

Samford Alumni Doug and Janet Turnure Establish Endowed Scholarship Honoring Ardell Turnure
Howard College of Arts and Sciences is now home to an endowed scholarship funded by Samford alumni Doug and Janet Turnure.

Leadership, Empowerment and Service: Samford Recognizes Women’s History Month
Samford University has a long history of producing trailblazing women, and each year the university’s Office of Student Success and Diversity recognizes the significant contributions of women, on and off campus. This March, national Women's History Month will be celebrated through a series of events highlighting leadership, empowerment and community service.

Samford Parents Expand Student Opportunity with New Scholarship
Samford University’s Parent Advisory Board and Parents Association State Chairs recently voted in favor of launching a new scholarship to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences beyond the classroom. The new Student Opportunity to Participate Scholarship aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent students from fully immersing themselves in Samford’s diverse extracurricular offerings.

Samford Season Ends at George Mason in the NIT
FAIRFAX, Va. - The Samford men's basketball team continued its season tonight in postseason play at George Mason in the opening round of the National Invitational Tournament. The Bulldogs couldn't overcome a slow start in the first half as they fell at the Patriots 86-69. The Bulldogs end their season with a 22-11 record while George Mason moves to the second round against Bradley.

Baseball Falls In Extra Innings To Jax State, 6-4
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University baseball team dropped a 6-4 decision to in-state rival Jacksonville State in 10 innings Tuesday evening at Joe Lee Griffin Field.

Bulldogs Head to George Mason For First NIT Appearance
FAIRFAX, Va. - The Samford men's basketball team continues play in the postseason as they are set to face George Mason on the road tomorrow night. The Bulldogs are making their first National Invitational Tournament appearance in program history and enter the game with a 22-10 record while the Patriots enter with a 26-8 mark.

Bulldogs To Host Jacksonville State Tuesday Evening
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University baseball team will play host to in-state rival Jacksonville State Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at Joe Lee Griffin Field.

Carr Named SoCon Player Of The Week
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford catcher Cade Carr was named the Southern Conference Player of the Week when the league released its weekly baseball awards Monday afternoon.

Samford Basketball Continues Season in National Invitation Tournament
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Samford men's basketball program had their season extended as they were invited into the National Invitation Tournament tonight. The Bulldogs will travel to take on George Mason on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. The Bulldogs carry a 22-10 record into postseason play while the Patriots are 26-8 on the season.