We are excited to welcome Allison Combs as our new development officer for Parent and Family Engagement. Allison has 20 years’ experience in advancement, having served in various roles with the American Heart Association, the Alabama Baptist Children's Homes and the Alabama Baptist Foundation. She brings so much joy and energy to our team! I had the following conversation with her recently, and we thought it might give you a little insight to the newest member of our team. We can't wait to personally introduce her to our amazing Samford parents!
Julie: How long have you lived in the Birmingham area?
Allison: 11 years. We moved here from the Nashville area. It was a bittersweet move. We loved it there and thought that would always be our home. My husband’s job brought us here, but we are thankful to be closer to family. Birmingham quickly became like home!
Julie: Since you've been here a while, let's get this out of the way. The most important thing Samford parents want to know is where to eat!
Allison: We love to support local! Nearby – Johnny’s for class meat & three with a Greek spin – lunch only! The hamburger steak and meatloaf are my faves!
El Barrio for Mexican. Don’t miss their tacos – especially Al pastor! Be sure to ask about specials, though!
Helen for date-night dining or dress-up night with friends. This is an experience of classic Southern warmth and elegance! The menu changes often/seasonally, but everything is wonderful! Best served family style to share. (I think that is because it is so difficult to choose one thing.) The husband and wife chef/owners love gathering over food! Start or end with the angel biscuits. So good! They serve lunch also!
Julie: Tell us about your husband and children!
Allison: Wade and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary in March! He is Director of Operations at Ross Bridge Resort. Our son, Hazen is 16. He is Junior at Hoover High School. He is a distance runner (Cross Country and Track) and races mountain bikes. I love running around courses and trails cheering for him! Our daughter, Laney, is 14. She is a freshman at Briarwood Christian School. God made her creative in every way. She paints, draws, sews, etc. While she loves to perform with her school show choir- she breaks into song over anything! We live in our very own musical!
Julie: We often ask parents to share their "Samford story" and how their student chose our university! So, what brought you to Samford?
Allison: Just being in this community has shown me God is doing something big and special through Samford. Samford graduates are different- in a really good way. As we are looking at college for our son- I was so impressed with the unwavering commitment to cultivating student’s faith while still offering opportunities and excellence in education. While registering for Preview Day- I felt a nudge to look at employment opportunities. I always have my yes on the table for places I see the Lord working!
Julie: Allison, you've been here one month! What has surprised you the most about Samford?
Allison: All of the activities on campus! I knew athletic events would bring students together. The fun opportunities throughout the day have been great to see! Student organizations/classes often have something on Ben Brown or Buck Plaza – live bands, snacks, activities. Not to mention the social gathering of students on the Quad. The caf has organized events that are food or craft related. There are opportunities for staff to meet in the Caf. There is always an opportunity to meet someone new in a casual activity. I love that the campus vibe is so welcoming and comfortable!
Julie: You've got this amazing office on the third floor of Westmoreland Hall with a window overlooking Buck Plaza, but there's something else pretty special about your new space. Tell us about this table?
Allison: Mr. Beeson’s dining room table. His father gave it to him and his wife, Orlean, as a wedding gift. How many exclamation points can follow this! He is such a beautiful representation of Christian stewardship and incredible part of Samford history.
Julie: How would you describe your role as part of the Parent & Family Engagement team?
Allison: Julie and Tanya have built so much to love the students well and connect families! There is still more that can be done! They have seen what could cultivate students more but have been limited. They need support in both time and financially to continue as Samford grows. I love to learn more about the things that people want to make a difference in! Our families are already so generous. We can be more intentional about matching your giving to your heart.
Julie: In Student Affairs, we like to use the new phrase "co-curricular" when talking about our student's experience outside the formal classroom. What opportunities shaped your own college experience?
Allison: I found my first group of sisters in Chi Omega. I served as in two roles to grow my leadership skills. Panhellenic delegate represents our chapters interest on campus as well as serving campus as a whole for Greek Life. I was also our philanthropy chair for two years. A tremendous blessing to learn outside of the classroom was community engagement both locally and through trips.. I spent time in New York City, San Francisco and a trip out west that involved stops all the way to Wyoming. I was also a founding member of the communications honor society.
Julie: Thanks for helping me fulfill my dream of hosting my very own Samford Talk Show! Now for the rapid-fire question round:
Allison:
- Coffee or Tea – YES! Love both! Hot coffee only! Iced and Hot tea
- Favorite Caf food? Vulcan Grill has great options.
- Favorite Samford selfie spot? Wow, fall has been gorgeous on campus! The beauty of God’s creation is beaming through the leaf change! Perhaps I can answer this better when every single corner of campus is not a wonderful selfie spot? I do love selfies with Mr. Beeson!
- Red or blue? Blue!
- Favorite sport? I am from Alabama so college football- especially Auburn Tigers!
- Ben Brown or Buck Plaza? Ben Brown – I love the fountain!
- Best first month experience? Conversations with parents. I love hearing what brought their student to Samford and how the journey is going!
