On August 20, Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted its annual Learning for Life awards dinner, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the event.
Since 2015, the school has recognized distinguished alumni and friends who exemplify leadership in the classroom, school administration, churches, mission organizations, nonprofits, businesses, volunteer organizations and more. Honorees are considered for the work they do which makes a significant impact in the lives of others.
“Though recipients’ career paths may differ, each award recipient has made notable strides in their respective fields and communities,” said Kathy Acton, alumni relations coordinator. “We are proud and thankful for the different ways our education graduates impact the world for Christ.”
The celebration began with opening remarks from Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education, followed by the invocation delivered by Monique Witherspoon, professor and associate dean.
Joining the celebration were other university leaders including Betsy Holloway, vice president for Advancement and Marketing; David Cimbora, provost and vice president of academic affairs; and Gregory Moore, EdD ’21, chair of the school’s Dean’s Advisory Board.
2025 Learning for Life Honorees
Nell Carter Branum
Nell Carter Branum ’76 earned a Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Library and Information Services from the University of Alabama. The daughter of John and Frances Carter, both longtime Samford faculty, she married fellow Samford graduate Jim Branum ’77, and together they served churches in Texas, California and Alabama for 43 years. Branum began writing curriculum for Woman’s Missionary Union as a student and went on to write and edit materials, lead national conferences, and serve in leadership roles for WMU. She later became librarian at Gardendale Elementary and co-authored two children’s nonfiction books on World War II with her parents. She also produced and edited numerous books and publications, including serving as editor of the American Rosie the Riveter Association’s national newsletter for two decades. Most recently, she fulfilled her dream of writing children’s fiction, publishing the first two books in her Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries series in 2025.
Laura Sturgeon Casey
Laura Sturgeon Casey, MSE ’23, holds degrees from Virginia Tech, Auburn University, the University of Montevallo and Samford, and is a Certified Athletic Administrator. She began her career as a chemistry teacher and coach at Vestavia Hills High School, later serving as assistant athletic director and assistant principal for teaching and learning. Today, she is the director of athletics for Vestavia Hills City Schools, where she focuses on equipping coaches and teachers to impact students through strong relationships and character development. Casey is also pursuing a doctoral degree in the Orlean Beeson School of Education. She is passionate about fostering growth in those around her through programs such as Coaches for Character. She and her husband, Adam, are parents to Lilly Mae and Reddin.
Evelyn Coffey
Evelyn Coffey, MSE ’15, EdS ’16, EdD ’20 is a devoted educator and lifelong learner who brings compassion, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to the success of both students and teachers. Holding three education degrees from Samford, Coffey has dedicated her career to nurturing academic growth and fostering positive school cultures. Her leadership is rooted in a deep belief that every student deserves an advocate, and every teacher deserves a coach. With a heart for service and a passion for empowering others, she works tirelessly to cultivate environments where learning is joyful, potential is realized, and everyone is inspired to thrive. Coffey is the proud principal of The Academy for Academics and Arts Elementary School in Huntsville.
Teresa Hemphill
Teresa Hemphill ’97 earned a degree in human development and family science with a minor in business administration from Samford. As a student, she gained leadership experience through her sorority, the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Committee. She has since applied those skills in a variety of roles, including teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, mentoring college women and directing parent ambassador and preschool ministries. Hemphill serves on the Love and Hope Foundation board, which supports Amor y Esperanza School in Quito, Ecuador, and helped connect the school with Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education for a mission and professional development partnership. She is also active with Alpha Delta Pi Sorority as a philanthropy director and serves in leadership roles at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. She and her husband, Clayton, have three children.
Lindsay Morgan
Lindsay Morgan ’11 is the assistant principal at Trace Crossings Elementary School in Hoover, Alabama. She has dedicated 15 years to education, impacting countless students through her versatile skills and deep commitment. Her experience includes serving as a third grade teacher, reading specialist and special education teacher. In these roles, she fostered foundational learning, promoted literacy and supported students with diverse needs. She earned a master’s in reading from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and an Instructional Leadership Certificate from The University of Alabama, preparing her for leadership and collaboration with Samford University professors in training future educators. Morgan’s professional journey reflects her passion for student growth and instructional excellence. She is equally devoted to her family—her husband, John, and their two sons, Ethan and Cade—who inspire her work each day. Her career is marked by a balance of dedication to both her profession and the people she loves.
Kate Wildman
Kate Wildman ’17 graduated from Samford with a degree in human development and family science, earned a master’s in child life from the University of Georgia and became a certified child life specialist. She began her career at Texas Children’s Hospital in the inpatient cancer center, where she developed a lasting passion for supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer. Her work later brought her home to Atlanta, where she served in the pediatric oncology unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each role deepened her commitment to the children she served and ultimately led her to Camp Sunshine, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. As program coordinator, Wildman creates meaningful, joyful experiences that extend beyond hospital walls. Grateful for the mentors, colleagues and families who shaped her journey, Wildman credits Samford with instilling in her a heart for service, a love for others and a deep sense of purpose.
Additional awards distributed at the annual Learning for Life banquet include the Orlean Beeson Award and the Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award. The Orlean Beeson Award recognizes non-alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving education students and furthering the school’s mission. The Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award was honors a graduate who embodies Christ-like virtues and excels in advancing character education in families, schools and communities.
Orlean Beeson Award Honorees
Twanna and Don Powell
Twanna and Don Powell’s lives reflect a deep commitment to faith, family and education. Don built a distinguished career in banking and public service, culminating in his role as the 18th chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, where he emphasized integrity, accountability and public trust. He has also been recognized for his leadership in higher education and, together with Twanna, established the Twanna Caddell Powell Annual and Endowed Scholarship in Education at Samford. Twanna was known for her steadfast devotion to her family and faith, supporting her husband’s career, investing deeply in her children’s lives and sharing her gift of music through her church choir and singing group. Her courage and resilience, especially in times of trial, continue to inspire those who knew her. Together, the Powells have modeled a legacy of service and devotion that will impact generations to come.
Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award Honoree
Gregory D. Moore Jr.
Gregory D. Moore Jr., EdD ’21, is a native of Leeds, Alabama, and a graduate of Faulkner University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English on a basketball scholarship. He began his education career at Moody High School before teaching and coaching at E.B. Erwin High School, where he also completed his administrative certification. Moore went on to serve as assistant principal at Pinson Valley High School for eight years, earning an education specialist degree in educational leadership. He later held leadership roles at Chalkville Elementary, Springville Elementary and Springville High School, where he served as principal for five years. During that time, he completed his Doctor of Education at Samford University. Now principal of Auburn High School, Moore brings more than 25 years of experience and a strong commitment to student success.
During the Learning for Life ceremony, current student and scholarship recipient Reese Wrather shared her Samford story. Wrather, a senior early childhood, special education, elementary and collaborative education major, remarked on how she found her way to Samford and thanked the donors who have made her Samford journey attainable through faithful giving.
She spoke to attendees saying, “Through the generosity of people like you, I saw the Lord’s abundant provision, a provision that made my dream school a reality.”
Award recipients were presented with a certificate and distinguished medallion of honor. Following the presentation of awards, a panel consisting of three previous Learning for Life honorees, Jewel Littleton ’05, MSE ’10, Meridith Starling ’00 and Bill Cleveland ’90, EdD ‘03 spoke on their careers and the impact they have made in the world of education.
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