Jeanie Box from our Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies passed along a message to me from another great teacher with Samford credentials, Katherine Hill Fields.  Katie was writing to Mandy Hilsmier, a valued member of our faculty:

"I'm not sure if you will remember me, but I am a former Samford student that graduated from the ESEC program in 2006.  I have now taught in two different systems and in two different grade levels.  I am currently teaching 3rd grade in Concord, NC just outside of Charlotte.  I continue to love my job more and more with each passing year.  I know I've found my calling.  I wanted to email you and let you know that I was just named teacher of the year for my school!  I was so honored and excited at the same time!  I wanted to take this chance to email you and tell you what an impact my experience at Samford and your outstanding leadership has given me over the past four years.  I felt very well equipped when I left Samford, but I also believe you gave me the tools necessary to continue to learn and grow as the curriculum and demands change.  Thank you for giving me the skills I needed to change students' lives effectively while continuing to love what I do!

"P.S. Oh yeah, and I've gotten married since my Samford days and I'm now Katie Fields! :o)"

The world is better because of Katie Fields.

 
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 5,791 students from 49 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 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.