A dance instructor who helps children with disabilities express themselves through creative movement. The leaders of an addiction-recovery organization that offers meals, counseling and transitional housing. A pastor whose mission arranges church partnerships and volunteers toward Christian service across Birmingham communities.
Samford’s 2026 Medallion Award recipients—a quartet of silent heroes from across the Birmingham area—exemplify kindness and dedication through their civic life.
“Thank you for allowing us to share your stories,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. “It's important for us to share these exemplars among our Samford community, to inspire us and give us wonderful examples. Thank you for the incredible ways that you're impacting our community right here. May God continue to bless you as you serve."
Bios for the 2026 Medallion Award recipients:
Micah Andrews
Andrews serves as the chief executive officer of The Foundry Ministries, a leading Christ-centered recovery organization based in the Birmingham area. Known for his steady, compassionate leadership, Andrews dedicated his career to restoring hope and rebuilding lives for people facing addiction, homelessness and cycles of brokenness.
“I am inspired every day at The Foundry,” Andrews said. “I see men and women whose lives are upside down and they are fighting to get another chance. They’ve burned every bridge and they usually feel all alone, but they keep fighting. Their tenacity to live one day at a time, one moment at a time as best they can, keeps me showing up as well.
The Foundry serves about 500 men and women each year across three campuses, though Andrews said his favorite metric involves the number of people who commit their life to Christ through water baptism. Over the past two years, some 217 individuals made the decision to follow Jesus.
Andrews’ journey with The Foundry began in 2008, following 13 years as a student pastor in Birmingham. He has served in multiple roles—including volunteer coordinator, senior director of men’s programs, and assistant executive director—before becoming CEO in 2016.
“One of my greatest lessons learned as a student pastor was that authenticity was required,” Andrews said. “Our students needed me to show up in their lives without my own agenda and just needed to be seen and heard. They didn’t need me to attempt to be someone I wasn’t, but rather, they just needed my attention and my sincerity.”
Brandon Lackey
Dedicating his career to transforming lives through faith-based recovery and support, Lackey joined The Foundry Ministries in 2013 as director of Changed Lives Christian Center, a transitional housing ministry for the homeless. Two years later, he stepped into his current role as chief program officer, where he oversees the continued development and enhancement of The Foundry’s Rescue, Recovery, and Re-Entry programs.
“At The Foundry we have a front-row seat to watch lives change, and so few people have this experience in their jobs or during their careers,” Lackey said. “To see the power of the Gospel transform deeply injured and hurting men, women, and families into mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually healthy persons is a privilege. To play a roll, regardless of its size, in a person’s recovery story creates a ripple effect that may impact generations.
“I am proud to serve as part of a ministry team that never stops believing that a permanently transformed life is possible and that every family deserves hope.”
Advocacy for the vulnerable is central to Lackey’s mission. He serves on the boards of the Alabama Rescue Services Association and the Alabama Association of Christian Recovery Ministries, where he is a founding member. He shaped legislation protecting religious freedom and choice in recovery and developed standards for non-medical recovery organizations emphasizing best practices, transparency and accountability.
Lackey partnered with the Alabama Attorney General’s office to classify addictive compounds in the stimulant kratom as Schedule I controlled substances and works closely with state officials to identify emerging public health threats. Most recently, Lackey was appointed to Gov. Kay Ivey’s Commission on Opioid Abuse and Overdose, focusing on expanding access to treatment and recovery services.
“Government advocacy efforts are essential, especially when representing vulnerable populations who may not be able to speak for themselves,” Lackey said. “However, our most impactful collaborations have been with other non-profits, faith leaders, second-chance employers, volunteers and concerned persons who have a friend or family member struggling with a life-controlling problem.
Blakely Cottle
She exemplifies the spirit of the Samford Medallion with her decades-long commitment to enriching lives and strengthening community through dance.
For 23 years, Cottle has served as program director at The Dance Foundation, where her leadership and creativity ensured that dance remains accessible to all—regardless of age, ability or socioeconomic status. Her impact is felt on the micro and macro scales. She oversees programs for infants through third grade, crafting inclusive curricula that foster confidence, creativity and joy in young learners.
“I love getting to work with kids from all over the Birmingham community and seeing them experience dance for the first time,” Cottle said. “Seeing each little one unafraid to move and create dances of their own is such a heartwarming experience.
“When I was 3 I started with ballet class, but it was not the right fit for me at all. It was a very structured class with a lot of time spent at the barre—absolutely the last thing the 3-year-old me wanted to do. I love that now I get to teach young dancers and really allow them to embrace movement and tell creative stories and make their introduction to dance a joyful experience.”
Her expertise includes working with students with disabilities, and her proficiency in American Sign Language reflects her dedication to creating environments where every child can thrive. Cottle recalled the joy of seeing children with disabilities achieve milestones.
“I have seen 9-year-olds jump for the first time in dance class and witnessed their absolute joy in the moment,” she said. “I have seen students take their first steps in dance class and everyone in the class cheering them on. I have seen children in wheelchairs holding colorful scarves and laughing uncontrollably as they perform for their friends.”
“I've seen so many amazing moments, and I love having some small part in their journey in dance and helping create the space for that moment to happen.”
Tracy Hipps
As executive director of Christian Service Mission (CSM) in Birmingham since 2010, Hipps led the organization into a new era of ministry marked by deeper partnerships, a revitalized vision for service, and a commitment to building healthier communities through Christ-centered outreach.
“What we’re building at CSM: one city, one Church, one mission,” Tripp said. “Over 100 partner churches serve side by side, and more than 60 volunteers faithfully give their time each week—some for just a couple of hours, others for more than 20—to help serve our city in love. This year alone, our partners served over 57,000 families, each one touched by the love of Christ.”
A veteran of more than 30 years in community development, he dedicated his career to “serving the least of these” in Chicago and Birmingham. Before joining CSM, he served as community facilitator for Mission Birmingham and worked as a youth pastor with The Center for Urban Missions and The New City Church. His experience across urban ministry settings shaped his passion for reconciliation, relationship‑building and addressing the root causes of poverty and division.
“Together with our dedicated staff, we’re laying the groundwork to mature our values and strategies to advance God’s kingdom here in Birmingham and beyond,” Hipps said. “I’m excited about the new direction He is leading us: building stronger relationships with churches to see Birmingham thrive.”
