Based on the university’s strategic plan, Fidelitas, the first phase of the campus master plan, Samford Horizons: A Blueprint for Tomorrow, was approved by Samford's board of trustees in December 2023. The plan addresses infrastructure needs for the entire campus, increases energy efficiency, practices campus-wide conservation, and refreshes and renews every facility—all steps in the process of creating a sustainable future for generations of Samford students.

Freshman Residence Complex
Freshman Residence Hall
Timeline for Samford Horizons Projects
The following dates are tentative and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Event Date
Utility and site work begins on residence halls in Phase One December 2023
Foundation and construction work begins on West Campus residence halls in Phase One January 2024
Foundation and construction work begins on freshman residence hall in Phase One February 2024
Work begins on parking deck expansion behind Vail and Smith Residence Halls Summer 2024
Parking lot near Pete Hanna Stadium reopens
Campus Recreation, Wellness and Athletic Complex grand opening (Family Weekend)
Fall 2024
New residence halls in Phase One open for use
Parking deck behind Vail and Smith Residence Halls reopens
Fall 2025

Latest Updates

Photo RecreationalCenterUnveiling
Samford Unveils $85 Million Recreation, Wellness & Athletics Complex That 'Stands Among the Best' Facilities in the Nation
The massive four-story complex marks a milestone in Samford's ambitious plan to enrich campus life and elevate its national profile as a top residential university. 
Photo Horizons Groundbreaking
Ceremonial Groundbreaking Commemorates Samford Horizons, Historic Samford University Capital Project  
On Tuesday, April 16, Samford University held a ceremonial groundbreaking to commemorate phase one of Samford Horizons: A Blueprint for Tomorrow, the university’s campus master plan. The capital project is the largest in Samford's history.  
Photo Samford University Belltower Icon
Samford Horizons Update – January 2
Right before fall commencement, the university announced Phase 1 of the Samford Horizons campus development plan, a phase that includes a new 513-bed residence hall for first-year students, two smaller residence halls totaling 140 beds for upper-division/Greek students, and an approximate 600-space addition to the north parking facility. 
Photo Shovels in Dirt
New Campus Construction Features Sustainability Measures
Samford University’s new Campus Recreation, Wellness and Athletic Complex is a first of its kind project in many ways, including one that demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustainability. 
Photo Freshman Residence Hall Render
Trustees Approve Graduates, Samford Horizons Campus Master Plan
Samford University's Board of Trustees approved new faculty, numerous resolutions and candidates for fall 2023 graduation at its meeting on Dec. 5. 
Photo Samford Main Gate Entrance
Samford Announces Construction of New Residence Halls and Additional Parking
At its December meeting, the Samford University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the first phase of Samford Horizons, a long-term campus master plan that is based on the university’s strategic plan, Fidelitas. The new projects include a new residence hall for first-year students, two new residence halls for upper division students, and 550 new parking spaces.  
Photo Scott and Caden Smith
Faith and Community Inspire Alumnus to Give to Historic Project
Scott Smith ’91 was drawn to Samford University’s sense of faith and community, specifically through football. Smith comes from a family full of Samford graduates, and because of his experience, Smith is dedicated to giving back to current and future bulldogs. That's why the lifelong accountant is investing in students through giving to the new Campus Recreation, Wellness and Athletic Complex. 
Photo New Caf Sitting Area
Samford Recreates Dining Experience with Massive Renovation of Caf
The Caf, Samford’s largest dining area, underwent a $10 million renovation over the summer.