A substantial gift honoring the legacy of Birmingham business icon Thomas J. Adams Sr. has been made to Samford University’s Brock School of Business. With the gift made by the Adams family, the Thomas J. Adams Sr./AutoTec Endowed Professor in Risk Management and Insurance has been established.

 

The fund is named for Thomas J. Adams Sr. who was instrumental in the continued growth and expansion of AutoTec, a sixth-generation insurance and technology company that started in Birmingham in the late 1880s and continues to thrive as an integral part of the Birmingham business community. Adams, a member of the 2018 Birmingham Business Hall of Fame, attended Howard College and, along with his family, had a deep appreciation for the role that Samford and Brock School of Business play in the developing ethical business leaders. AutoTec has maintained the core of its business focused on risk management and insurance since its founding. 

 

The family chose to establish the new professorship to serve as a reminder of their father’s legacy.

 

Adams’ son, Richard M. Adams, is vice president of AutoTec. He said, “My brother Tom and I are excited about the future of the AutoTec companies, now under the able leadership of a younger generation, and pleased that our father will be recognized by this investment in the Brock School of Business.”

 

The establishment of the new endowed professorship is part of a multipronged initiative to develop a comprehensive program for students who want to launch careers in the risk management and insurance industry. In Brock School of Business, the risk management and insurance concentration can be added as a complement to any business major and the Alfa Risk Management and Insurance Lab supports the students in their industry-related research. Additionally, the Risk Management and Insurance Advisory Board members serve as professional resources for students.    

 

In gratitude for the Adams family’s support, Chad Carson, dean of Brock School of Business said, “We are so grateful for the support of the Adams family. The new endowed fund and creation of the Thomas J. Adams Sr./AutoTec Endowed Professor in Risk Management and Insurance is a vital cornerstone in our efforts to fully develop a risk management and insurance program that is built for the future."

 

This is not the first time the Adams family has financially supported Samford. For many years, the family has supported the William Hester Manly Scholarship established in memory of their grandfather, William Hester Manly. The scholarship has been awarded to business students who exampled high scholarship and Christian character and promise of leadership and service in their chosen field. 

 

Adams said, “Samford is a vital part of the community where our employees live and where our business has thrived. We applaud and share the Brock School of Business’ emphasis on integrity and ethics and are honored to support the university and the business school in this way.”