Prepared to Lead, Called to Serve: College of Health Sciences Graduates Celebrate Commencement
Samford’s College of Health Sciences held spring commencement ceremonies April 30–May 2, awarding 640 degrees across its four schools and celebrating graduates’ calling to lead, serve and advance health care with purpose.
Prepared to Lead, Called to Serve: McWhorter School of Pharmacy Celebrates Spring Commencement
Samford’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy recognized 142 graduates during spring commencement ceremonies April 30–May 2, including 78 Doctor of Pharmacy and 64 undergraduate students. Speakers emphasized resilience, purpose and compassionate service, encouraging graduates to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact in health care and their communities.
Samford Celebrates 2026 Spring Commencement: 'Samford continues to thrive'
More than 1,300 students received their degrees, including Shannon Charis Boutwell receiving The President's Cup and Trinity Elizabeth Phillips receiving the Velma Irons Award.
Prepared to Lead, Called to Serve: College of Health Sciences Graduates Celebrate Commencement
Samford University’s College of Health Sciences held its spring pinning, hooding and commencement ceremonies April 30–May 2. The college’s four schools — McWhorter School of Pharmacy, School of Health Professions, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing and School of Public Health — awarded 371 bachelor’s degrees and 269 master’s or doctoral degrees.
Examining Teacher Buy-In: Recent Doctoral Graduates Explore Character Education in Middle Schools
In the middle school years, when students navigate one of the most formative transitions in their education, character development can be both essential and challenging to implement. For Meghan Neil, EdD ’26, and Ann Pickens, EdD ’26, that reality shaped their doctoral research.
Cumberland School of Law Commencement: Sessions Calls Future Lawyers to Serve as Constitution ‘Guardians’
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law recognized 157 graduates during spring commencement ceremony May 2 in Pete Hanna Center. Jeff Sessions, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General, delivered the keynote address.
Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences and School of the Arts Celebrate Spring 2026 Graduates
Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences and School of the Arts celebrated their spring graduates with a joint commencement ceremony May 2 in the Pete Hanna Center.
Samford Awards Honorary Doctorate to Lumber Titan Jimmy Rane: ‘Learning Should Never Stop’
Jimmy Rane, who transformed a floundering timber plant into the world’s largest treated lumber business, received an honorary Doctor of Commerce.
Egyptian Theology School President Addresses 2026 Beeson Graduates
Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School celebrated its spring service of commencement and consecration May 1, honoring 20 members of the Class of 2026.
Setting the Standard: Samford School of Education Leads the Nation in Comprehensive Sensory-Inclusive Training
In January 2026, the School of Education launched an innovative partnership with KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs. Through this collaboration, 100% of School of Education students, faculty and staff receive sensory-inclusive training, making Samford the first university in the nation to implement this level of comprehensive preparation.
Building Excellence Through Accreditation: How Samford’s School of Education is Leaning Into the CAEP Process
As Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education continues its accreditation cycle with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the process serves as more than a requirement. It provides a structured opportunity to reflect, refine and demonstrate the ongoing strength of a Samford education.
Samford School of Education to Launch Animal Assisted Services Concentration
Beginning in fall 2026, Samford University Orlean Beeson School of Education’s Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) will expand academic opportunities for students by offering a new concentration in Animal Assisted Services (AAS).
Samford Emphasizes Character Education as Foundation for Coaching Leadership
Character education is a defining strength of Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education’s mission, shaping graduates who lead with purpose, integrity and compassion.
Supporting Education in Ecuador Through Professional Development
Classrooms in Quito, Ecuador, may look different, but the heart of education remains the same. Students learning together. Teachers leading with purpose. Communities built through shared experiences.
Expanding Learning Opportunities Through Two New Certificate Programs
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education is developing two new credit-bearing certificate programs designed to equip educators with relevant skills while remaining grounded in the University’s Christ-centered mission.
When the Mission Can’t Fail: What Schools Can Learn About Leadership and Collaboration
In the military, missions are carried out with high stakes and no margin for failure. For Samford University alumnus Billy Mann, EdD ’25, that reality felt strikingly familiar.
How Samford Has Prepared Ali Grace Williams for Success in the Middle School Classroom
The transition to middle school marks one of the most formative years for students, and for graduating senior Ali Grace Williams, it is exactly where she feels called to serve.
From Alzheimer’s to Vaccine Access: Samford Pharmacy Students Shine at Student Research Colloquia
Samford pharmacy students Jamiah Files and Raven Chaney earned top honors at the 2026 Student Research Colloquia, presenting research on COVID-19 vaccine access and Alzheimer’s disease, including antioxidant approaches to neurodegeneration, highlighting innovation in public health and drug discovery.
Samford Baseball Shuts Out Mercer, 5-0
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford baseball team handed Mercer its first shutout of the season in a 5-0 win in the final game of a three-game Southern Conference series Sunday afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
Bulldogs Fall On Senior Day to UNCG
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford softball team concluded its regular season with an 8-5 loss to UNC Greensboro on Sunday afternoon in Birmingham. The defeat drops the Bulldogs to 26-29 overall and 14-7 in Southern Conference play, closing out both their home and league schedules ahead of the post season where they will be the two seed in the SoCon Tournament.
Samford Baseball Drops Saturday Game To Mercer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford baseball team dropped a 16-8 decision in the second game of a three-game series to Mercer Saturday afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
Bulldogs Split Doubleheader With UNCG and Secure No. 2 Seed in SoCon Tournament
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford softball team began its final series of the season today as they hosted UNCG for a doubleheader. A matchup with the top two teams in the Southern Conference saw the Spartans take game one 3-0 before Samford bounced back to win game two 6-5. The Bulldogs move to 26-28 on the season and lock up the number two seed in next week's SoCon Tournament.
Bulldogs Have Strong Showing At Maroon And White Tuneup
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Samford track and field teams competed in the Marron and White Tuneup at Mississippi State on Thursday at Friday.
Bulldogs Drop Series Opener To Mercer, 6-3
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford baseball team opened its series with Mercer with a 6-3 loss to the Bears Friday afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
