Samford University punctuated the 2026 spring semester’s opening convocation by conveying an honorary doctorate upon Dr. Billy Kim, recognizing the “Billy Graham of Asia” for decades of Christian evangelism.
Kim, 91, helped spread Christian messaging as the longtime chair of the Far East Broadcasting Corporation. He famously translated for Graham during the 1973 crusade that reached millions of people in Seoul, South Korea.
“I was privileged to teach and preach throughout the Korean Peninsula in 2019 at Dr. Kim's generous invitation,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. “Dr Kim's daughter, Mary Kennedy, received her master's degree from right here at Samford. Billy Kim is a dear brother in Christ, a prominent Christian leader and a friend of Samford University.”
The university's Board of Trustees voted to honor Kim, a pastor and the first Asian president of the Baptist World Alliance. Kim, who remained in Korea while recovering from illness, was represented at the convocation by his son, John Kim, who introduced a vibrant and stirring performance by the Korean Children’s Choir.
Some 40 members of the 600-strong choir—described by John Kim as “little missionaries”—visited Samford during a Southeastern U.S. tour that includes concerts in Tampa, Orlando and Atlanta. Their half-hour performance featured colorful choreography accompanying songs such as “Amazing Grace,” “Because He Lives,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “It is Well.”
Bobby Gatlin, campus pastor, offered the benediction:
“It's such a great reminder today, singing songs—even hearing songs in a different language—of what an incredible place heaven will be like one day as all the saints gather together with all languages and all tribes and all tongues to glorify and praise Your name, Father.”
Jennings B. Marshall Award
Amy Hoaglund received the Marshall Award, presented annually to a faculty member who demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to Samford University through leadership and active participation in service beyond teaching and research. The award recipient is selected by the faculty senate executive committee.
The panel celebrated Hoaglund, the Orlean Beeson School of Education assistant dean, for setting the stage for others’ success.
“She possesses a tireless attention to detail. That means that projects not only get started with a lot of enthusiasm, but are brought to completion with excellence,” said Marci Johns, senior associate provost. “Her sustained, meaningful and mission-centered service has strengthened our university in ways that are both tangible and enduring. Her leadership has supported not only individuals who rely on her guidance, including myself, but the broader institutional goals that ensure Samford's excellence and integrity.”
George Macon Memorial Award
Jeff Leonard, professor of Biblical and religious studies, received the Macon Award, presented annually to a faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching, counseling and student mentorship.
“Students in his class quickly gain a sense of his care for them that undergirds and accompanies his deep love for what he is teaching,” said P.J. Hughes, Samford associate provost and professor of pharmacy. “His students learn from him not only a knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, but as important, a compelling model of how the life of the mind and the life of faith can sustain one another. His classes fill up quickly, and while popularity is not necessarily a shorthand for quality, we ignore it at our peril if we seek the skilled teachers among us.”
MORE: List of previous faculty award-winners
