A new history of Samford University will be published this year, thanks to the efforts of Lee Allen, Ph.D., former dean of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences and historian. Allen has collected documents and information about Samford’s history for the past several decades, and his work is currently being developed as a manuscript for the university. A physical copy will be added to the University Library’s Special Collection, and a digital copy will be available on the university’s website
The plans to publish his manuscript were announced on Friday, April 16, in honor of Allen’s 95th birthday.
“Dr. Allen’s work and commitment to gather and compile Samford’s history is a gift to our university. His thorough research and attention to detail will allow past, current and future members of the Samford family to learn about our institution’s background and the progress it has made since it was founded in 1841,” said Samford University President Andrew Westmoreland. “It is fitting that we announce our plans to share Dr. Allen’s gift to us on his 95th birthday.”
“For many years, Dr. Allen has been a friend and contributor to the University Archives. We are grateful to have his work from his many publications in our archives. This recent piece on Samford’s history is an important addition to the collection. It is one that will be used by many,” said Jennifer Taylor, university archivist and chair of the Special Collection at Samford’s University Library.
Allen, who joined the faculty as a history professor in 1961, served as the dean of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences from 1975 to 1990. He retired in 2001.
A publishing date for the manuscript will be established later this year.