John Roland ’96 serves as Development Officer for the Howard College of Arts and Sciences at Samford University and was a member of the inaugural Leadership Samford Cohort (2023–24). In this role, he advances philanthropic engagement for Samford’s largest academic unit, partnering with academic leadership, alumni, and donors to strengthen the College’s mission and long‑term impact.
Prior to returning to Samford, Roland spent nearly two decades serving in pastoral ministry, higher education instruction, and advancement leadership across universities, nonprofits, and faith‑based organizations. His advancement experience includes leadership roles with the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Kennesaw State University, Luther Rice College and Seminary, and The Foundry Ministries. He also brings private‑sector experience, having served as Marketing and Social Media Lead for a division of Blackbaud, the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good.
Roland holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Samford University, a Master of Divinity (MDivBL) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Kennesaw State University. This interdisciplinary education informs a broad, strategic approach to advancement and leadership within the Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
As an alumnus of the College, Roland has a deep personal connection to HCAS and its mission to inspire students to a lifetime of inquiry and service through engaged learning, faculty research, and vocational discovery within the liberal arts and Christian intellectual tradition. His Samford undergraduate honors include Cum Laude graduate; Dean’s List (7 of 8 semesters); Ruric Wheeler Freshman Award; George Irons Scholar (History); Samford Leadership Scholar (four years); Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges; and membership in Pi Gamma Mu, Phi Alpha Theta, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. He also served as Class President and Student Senator.
In addition, Roland was the 2001 C.W. Brister Pastoral Ministry Award recipient, selected by the faculty as the outstanding graduate in the School of Theology in the field of pastoral ministry. He is a member of the Theta Alpha Kappa: National Honor Society for Religious Studies/Theology. His academic background includes additional graduate study in law; including completed coursework in constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, civil procedure, and legal writing; highlighted by selection as one of 25 law students statewide for the Florida Legislative Internship, before transitioning to theological studies.
Roland is married to Amy Gluth Roland ’98, a Samford nursing graduate, and they have three children: Lauryn, JD, and Emma.
