Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted “The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Elliot” during its 14th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series in Brock Recital Hall on March 4. Lucy S. R. Austen, author of Elisabeth Elliot: A Life, delivered a lecture and Q&A exploring the remarkable life of one of the 20th century’s most influential Christian women.
Elliot’s life was marked by extraordinary challenges and profound faith. After the tragic death of her husband, Jim, during their mission to the Huaorani people of Ecuador, she chose to remain and minister to the same community that had taken his life. Her resilience and commitment to spreading God’s love transformed personal tragedy into a story of hope and redemption.
While Elliot’s story is well-known in many Christian circles, Austen’s personal interest led her to search for a biography on the famous missionary—only to find none available.
“I was inspired to write about Elisabeth Elliot because I wanted to read a biography of her, and there weren’t any,” said Austen.
Austen’s book, which took more than a decade to research and publish, delves into Elliot’s faith, resilience and service, from her work in Ecuador to her influence as a speaker and author. Through vivid storytelling, Austen’s biography captures Elliot’s humanity, heroism, courage and faith, resonating deeply with Samford’s mission to prepare leaders of character who positively impact their communities.
“We are delighted to invite Austen to tell the untold story of Elisabeth Elliot, especially during Women’s History Month,” said Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education. “With so many notable women missionaries and female role models in the Christian faith, it is important that we take this time to appreciate their stories.”
Guests and readers alike were invited by Austen to learn from Elliot’s example, grow in their faith and embrace the opportunities available to them amid life’s trials. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, Elliot’s faith empowered her to do the unthinkable and minister to the very people responsible for her husband’s death.
“I hope that people will find the same hope and encouragement in the Christian faith that Elliot did,” said Austen.
Monique Garner Witherspoon, associate dean and associate professor, provided the welcome and invocation.
“The names Tom and Marla Corts have been synonymous with Samford University for decades,” Witherspoon said. “Dr. Corts was known for his invaluable leadership, service and love for books and classical literature. In 2011, the Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series was established to recognize the Corts’ leadership to the university, the community and the cause of literacy.”
Orlean Beeson School of Education shares the Corts family’s passion for literacy, which is why Samford’s School of Education is one of only two institutions in the country to earn an A+ in the science of reading and reading instruction, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality.
In honor of Tom and Marla Corts, the Corts Distinguished Author Series enriches the intellectual and spiritual lives of Samford students and the broader community by featuring authors of inspirational works. Past speakers include Tim Tebow, Eric Metaxas, Laura Bush and more. Austen’s lecture continues the tradition of connecting audiences with stories that encourage reflection and growth, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue.
Attendance at the Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series supports the intellectual and spiritual formation of Samford students and advances the mission of Orlean Beeson School of Education.
