Dr. Andrew J. Lampkins of Samford's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will be the first to hold a new professorship honoring former Chemistry department chair John R. Sampey, Jr.

The holder of the Sampey Research Professorship must exemplify the high standards modeled by Sampey and greatly admired by former student Dr. Hugh Linder `28, whose gift created the professorship.

Like Sampey, who served at Samford in the 1920s and 1930s, Lampkins is a prolific researcher. Since joining Samford's faculty in 2008 Lampkins has established one of the most active research laboratories at the university. His research with colleagues and students focuses on the synthesis of novel organic compounds that may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Along with his published research, Lampkins collaborates with exceptional undergraduate students in research and scholarly presentations. He also conducts research within Samford’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy, where he holds a joint faculty appointment. Lampkins has established himself as an integral part of the growing role of research within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Samford.

"The Sampey Research Professorship is the first to be established in our college in over 40 years," said Howard College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Chapman. "It will strengthen our reputation as an academic institution, help us recruit outstanding chemistry professors to our university and provide direct benefits to students involved in undergraduate research."

Chapman said the honor also is a reminder of the lasting bond that can develop between a professor and a student.