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Female Student in Commons
 

Ragland Scholars

Established in 2021, the Ragland Scholars program prepares students for lives grounded in leadership, service, community and academic excellence.
Elizabeth Sloan Ragland Speaking at Samford

The Ragland Scholars Program is named in honor of Elizabeth Sloan Ragland, the first African American woman to live in campus housing at Samford University. Her courage and commitment to serving others shaped her time as a Samford student and her career. Her example of resilience and leadership continues to inspire students today.

The program equips students to become strong leaders with a focus on character, academic success and service. Through courses and group discussions, students ask meaningful questions, practice critical‑thinking skills and learn to consider different perspectives.

Outside the classroom, scholars take part in programs designed to support their overall development. Workshops, service projects, cultural experiences and mentoring opportunities help students build community and gain practical leadership skills.

Apply
Current Scholars
Support the Program

Apply to be a Ragland Scholar

Ragland Scholars is a cohort‑based program that spans six semesters over three years. Applicants must be rising Samford sophomores.

Components

The application includes the following required components:
  • Application form
  • 500–700-word essay
  • Video response question
  • Two recommendation forms completed by current Samford faculty or staff members
  • Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0

Timeline

After you submit your application, each of your recommenders will automatically receive an email with a link to complete the academic recommendation form
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2027
  • Interview invitations sent: Mid‑March 2027
  • Interview dates: March 22–23, 2027

Applicants selected for an interview will receive detailed instructions prior to their scheduled interview date.

Apply Today

Support Ragland Scholars

The generosity of our donors directly strengthens the Ragland Scholars Program and expands the opportunities we can offer our students. Your gift helps enrich programming, provides vital support for our annual international experience, and funds meaningful cultural and academic outings that shape each scholar’s journey.

Gifts from foundations, parents, alumni and friends of the Ragland Scholars Program make an immediate and lasting impact on our student community. To contribute to the Ragland Scholars fund, you may give online by completing the Samford giving form. When doing so, please select “Other” as your designation and indicate that your gift is for the Ragland Scholars Program.

If you would like to explore additional ways to financially support the program, please contact Victoria Allen, vice president for development and university advancement, at 205-726-2792 or vallen2@samford.edu.

2026-27 Cohort

Landon Begley

Landon Begley

Biology
Gabriela Canales-Alvarado

Gabriela Canales-Alvarado

Healthcare Administration
Jessica Michael

Jessica Michael

International Relations
 
Walker Moore

Walker Moore

Undecided
Alaniss Rodriguez

Alaniss Rodriguez

Architecture
Kayori Ryan

Kayori Ryan

Biology
 

2025-26 Cohort

Asher Bitner

Asher Bitner

Architecture
Mariama Diallo

Mariama Diallo

International Relations
Aria Foster

Aria Foster

Pre-Business
 
Maribel Guido

Maribel Guido

Pre-Business
Alana Jackson

Alana Jackson

Political Science
Ezra-Marie Paraison

Ezra-Marie Paraison

Communication Sciences and Disorders
 
Santi Suarez

Santi Suarez

Nursing
Aiden Tyler

Aiden Tyler

Pre-Business

2024-25 Cohort

Sarah Grace Champagne

Sarah Grace Champagne

Accounting
Lillie Dunn

Lillie Dunn

Communication Studies
Joshua Jennings

Joshua Jennings

Nursing
 
Erika Lemus Lopez

Erika Lemus Lopez

Biology
Kedarius Spikes

Kedarius Spikes

Law, Politics and Society
Prodige Tshibangu

Prodige Tshibangu

International Relations
 
Kaziah Williams

Kaziah Williams

Business
Jonathan Zion

Jonathan Zion

Sports Medicine (Pre-Med Track)

2023-24 Cohort

Nyah Anderson

Nyah Anderson

Public Health
Blake Andres

Blake Andres

Business Management (Sports Marketing and Analytics)
Aileen Soto Campero

Aileen Soto Campero

Architecture
 
Olivia Douglas

Olivia Douglas

Sports Medicine
Elena Escobar

Elena Escobar

Nursing
Sofia Marrufo

Sofia Marrufo

Business Management (Sports Marketing and Analytics)
 
Nia Settles

Nia Settles

Nursing
John Summerville

John Summerville

3D Animation and Game Design
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800 Lakeshore Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35229      
205-726-2011

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