Published on November 5, 2019 by William A. Nunnelley  

Linda Godfrey, an adjunct faculty member in the School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, has taught at Samford University since 2005. Her passion for preparing the next generation of nutritionists and dietitians is evident in her work, and earlier this year, her commitment to her students went a step further. 

With her husband, Mike, the family established the Linda B. Godfrey Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students majoring in nutrition and dietetics who exhibit a financial need and are in good academic standing. 

“We feel so very blessed to be able to provide this endowed scholarship and praise God for the opportunity,” Godfrey said.

“We believe that a faith-based education is important and that Samford provides one of the very best nutrition and dietetics programs in the nation.” 

The Godfreys sought to provide a scholarship, understanding the importance of supporting students financially. “Being able to assist a future registered dietitian with their undergraduate expenses at Samford is our goal,” she said. 

Keith Elder, dean of the School of Public Health, noted that the gift is special because it is only the second endowed scholarship in the school—established specifically for nutrition and dietetics students. “We are incredibly thankful for Linda, Mike and their whole family. Linda has been extraordinarily generous, including the giving of her time and talents, in preparing the next generation of registered dietitians,” Elder said.  

Prior to teaching at Samford, Godfrey served in numerous roles within the nutrition and dietetics profession, including 32 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. Godfrey is registered dietitian and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the School Nutrition Association. 

Linda Godfrey teaching a nutrition class.

She volunteered her time and service to many nutrition and dietetics organizations including serving as president of the Alabama Dietetic Association and president of the Alabama School Nutrition Association.

In 2010, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognized her with the prestigious Medallion Award, and in 2004, she received the award for Management Practice Dietitian of the year. In 2015, she was inducted as a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recognizing her service to the profession and her leadership in optimizing health through food and nutrition.

 
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.