Guided by Samford faculty members Jason Wallace, Shannon Flynt, Chris Metress, Bryan Johnson, and other colleagues, the Great Ideas Summer Institute offers an opportunity for high school students "to enjoy the energy of a college classroom, engage ideas that form the essence of humane learning, and develop friendships with exceptional high school students from around the country."  The 2012 Institute concluded a few days ago.  One of the young participants offered this evaluation of the experience:

"At the Great Ideas Summer Institute, I was able to participate in numerous in-depth classroom discussions and learn about influential authors.  In addition, the discussions challenged me to think for myself about why I believe what I believe, and how to translate that into becoming a better citizen. I loved that the environment was filled with an intellectual curiosity that stimulated discussions dealing with fundamental ideas such as liberty and Justice.  Also, I cannot speak highly enough about the professors, counselors, and other students who were all willing to continue these discussions outside the classroom."

The world is better because the Samford environment challenges us to become better citizens. 

 
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.