“Before I ever formally met Dr. Westmoreland, I was attracted to the Spirit of Christ in him.As our professional and personal relationship has grown, I’ve discovered that he is deeply spiritual, humble, approachable, kind and compassionate. He is an authentic person, devoted friend and tremendous leader driven by convictions which are grounded in the Word of God. Dr. Westmoreland has the gift of putting you at ease by listening deeply to your perspective, making you feel heard in a way that is unusual—able to hear your spoken words and your heart.”
–Cecelia A. Walker, M.Div. '98, member, Samford University’s Board of Trustees, and executive director of chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education, Brookwood Baptist Health
“As a member of the search committee that facilitated the selection of Dr. Andrew Westmoreland as president of Samford, I was confident that he would be an outstanding president.However, now that I have known Andy for over a decade, he has become a valued friend. As a friend, I am convinced that Andy has been a dynamic spiritual leader, who, first and foremost, has a calling from God. Hence, his work was not his profession but his ministry.”
–Robert Holmes, vice chair, Samford University’s Board of Trustees, retired senior vice president, Alabama Power Company
“A true southern gentleman, Dr. Andy Westmoreland has a unique way of combining humor with facts, suggestions with directions, and leadership with humility.His gentle hand at leading the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is a trait that only a few have mastered.”
–Belle Wheelan, president, SACSCOC
“We are grateful for Jeanna and Andy Westmoreland’s 15 years of committed service to Samford University.It has been inspiring to see their dedication to and love for Christian higher education. They have consistently demonstrated their love for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university. They have served with grace and humility in all kinds of circumstances. They have modeled servant leadership. They have modeled Christian marriage. Samford is a better place for their having been here. We hold them in the highest esteem.”
–William Stevens '70 and Kimeran Stevens '70, co-chairs, Forever Samford campaign (William Stevens also serves as chair of Samford University’s Board of Trustees.)
“I have never been with President Westmoreland when he did not add measurably to the gathering.His wit, wisdom, intelligence and gentility always made the best meeting even better. What a fine man and sterling career of service while loving God with all his heart.”
– Andrew K. Benton, president emeritus, Pepperdine University
“Anyone who has interacted with Dr. Westmoreland readily observes that he has a larger-than-life presence that is bathed in humility.Dr. Westmoreland’s legacy at Samford University is unmatched and will live FOREVER. There has been no single individual who has had a bigger impact on my life other than Jesus Christ himself.”
–Jeremy Towns ’13, UAB medical resident
“When someone loves something, you can tell. With Dr. Westmoreland, you can always tell that he loves Samford and that he loves Samford students.Dr. Westmoreland is, in my opinion, the definition of a Christ-centered leader. He has led Samford with conviction and grace. He understands that college is one of the most influential times in someone’s life, so he has taken the time to pour into and invest in students."
–Hope Dawson, current SGA president
“Dr. Westmoreland leads with a passion to see God impact lives through the education process and relationships at Samford University.He is a strategic, visionary leader. To me, Dr. Westmoreland is a friend, encourager, and partner in Great Commission ministries.”
–Timothy M. Cox, senior pastor, Liberty Baptist Church
“Dr. Westmoreland has been an exceptional leader for Samford University and for higher education in general.His Christ-centered, humble and generous spirit has been an inspiration to me personally and for so many others who have had the pleasure of knowing him, serving with him or working under his leadership. Samford University is a better place today for having selected Andy Westmoreland as its president 15 years ago. The entire Samford family and I are eternally grateful for the example of Christian leadership and integrity that Andy has demonstrated during his tenure of service. Andy, all the best for what God has in store for this next chapter of life.”
–Tim Vines, former chair, Samford University's Board of Trustees; president, CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
“Andy is a Christian community builder extraordinaire. His leadership has taken us from the best kept secret in the state of Alabamato the #1 ranked university in Alabama, #1 in the nation for Graduation Success Rate NCAA Division I, and #2 in the nation for student engagement. He has extended our reach nationally and internationally while always maintaining ‘true north’ on our Christian compass. He has set up Samford for continued success and I believe the best is yet to come.”
–Gary M. Cooney '74, vice chairman, McGriff, Seibels & Williams Inc.
“Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland has been an incredible member of our board at Cornerstone. She has a passion for our mission, education and students.Her heart for the children of Birmingham is exceptional! She walks with grace and love in everything she does. I am honored to work with her."
–Nita Carr, Ed.S. '05, Ed.D. '08, president, Cornerstone Schools of Alabama
“His heart for developing deep relationships with all the people in his life has always impressed me.He truly cares about and focuses on the person in front of him at the moment even when he’s being pulled in a thousand different directions with countless demands pressing down hard. I’ve appreciated the times he took through the years to share life lessons with me—lessons many of us have used to grow and develop in our own journeys.”
–Jennifer Rash, M.A.T.S. ‘07, president, editor-in-chief
“I fell in love with the Westmorelands the night I met them in 2006.Jeanna is a remarkable and endearing lady who achieved extraordinary things as she helped Birmingham and Samford always put their best foot forward. Through the years we worked on many events together as back-to-back presidents of the Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham, and even hosting HRH The Prince Edward of Great Britain and Miss America at a perfect southern breakfast at the Samford President’s Home. Jeanna is gracious and professional, a true leader. I love being in her company and I am honored to call her my friend."
–Nan Teninbaum, president, Women’s Committee of 100
“Julie and I have known and been close friends with the Westmorelands for more than 15 years.We look forward to the many more years of friendship and partnership as we now seek together the welfare of Samford University. I look forward to amplifying their important legacy and the life of this place to which they have given so much. Andy and Jeanna, know how deeply our family loves you.”
–Beck A. Taylor, president-elect, Samford University
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve under Dr. Westmoreland as a dean and now a professor of law.I am also pleased to call him my friend. To me, he is the embodiment of the important qualities an exceptional leader must have—selflessness, moral courage and integrity.”
–John L. Carroll, J.D. '74, professor of law and director, Cumberland Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law
“When I needed counsel on those intractable issues that leaders in higher education face, I would often turn to Andy for advice.He not only received my questions with seriousness, but he encouraged my spirits with kindness. I would leave those conversations buoyed by his seasoned wisdom and uplifted with his Christian love.”
–Barry Corey, president, Biola University
“It was an honor for me to serve as Dr. Westmoreland’s vice chair when he led the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Board of Trustees.Thanks to his unflappable leadership and wonderful sense of humor, intelligence, and wit, we were able to stay the course and navigate many challenging issues. I also have the greatest admiration and respect for his unwavering integrity and faith. I’m proud to call him a colleague and a friend, and all of us at Mississippi State University wish him the best as he begins this new chapter.”
–Mark E. Keenum, president, Mississippi State University
“He knew my name. From the moment I met Andy Westmoreland he not only called me by name but he knew who I was at the core;I truly cannot remember a moment of small talk with him because every conversation was a communion of souls and a clear appreciation for who I was. This capacity for empathy has been his great gift to us, and he offered it willingly.”
–Dana Basinger, assistant dean, Samford’s Howard College of Art and Sciences
“You can count on Dr. Westmoreland. Even though the scope of his position was vast and complicated, he always made time for the personal conversations and to care for individuals.His legacy as a president will be that he knew how to both get into the necessary details and to empower those around him. Andy is the quintessential college president—humble, smart, innovative, and dedicated to his institution.”
–Shirley Hoogstra, president, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
“Since I arrived at Wofford College in 2013, Andy Westmoreland as colleague in the Southern Conference quickly became Andy Westmoreland my dear and respected friend.His counsel is valued, his integrity impeccable and his balanced judgment a model for leadership. I wish him the very best.”
–Nayef Samhat, president, Wofford College
“Dr. Westmoreland is someone whom everyone feels like they know and whom everyone feels known by — it is the latter that truly sets Dr. Westmoreland apart.Dr. Westmoreland is a servant-leader who cares for and engages with those he leads and interacts with.”
–Heath Padgett ‘20, former SGA president, current UAB School of Dentistry student
"In my 30 years in American higher education, I have found no leader more effective in the presidency than Dr. Andrew Westmoreland.In an age that is increasingly uncivil, he has been at all times thoughtful and gracious. He listens well and perhaps more importantly he actually hears and respects others. He combines a sense of humor with a seriousness of purpose and calling. He gives of himself freely to others and serves as both mentor and friend.”
–Robin Baker, president, George Fox University
“Dr. Westmoreland has a unique ability to be so personal and yet so presidential at the same time—an attribute very few leaders carry as well as he does.During his tenure at Samford, he has grown Samford to be a premier Christian university while also caring individually for students, staff and faculty. Because he has stewarded his time wisely, Dr. Westmoreland is leaving a legacy for those who follow to build upon for years to come.”
–Brent M. Fielder ’08, M.B.A. ’19, enterprise philanthropic ambassador, Chick-fil-A
“I have been fortunate to befriend many college and university presidents, and I can say unequivocally Dr. Westmoreland is the most outstanding university leader I know.More importantly, he has been a dear friend, mentor and role model for me and others throughout higher education. His legacy will endure through the countless lives of those he has impacted.”
–Betsy Holloway, M.B.A. ‘98, vice president for marketing and communication, Samford University
“Shortly after arriving at Samford from Ouachita Baptist University, Dr. Westmoreland’s winsome personality quickly won him friends and admirers—not just among Samford people but throughout Birmingham and Alabama. His astute leadership guided Samford to a place of preeminence among Christian universities and enhanced the value of every diploma issued by the university. We are all indebted to him for his service to Samford, which flows from his commitment to Christ.”
–Karon Bowdre ’77, J.D. ‘80, member, Samford University’s Board of Trustees
Congratulations to the Westmorelands!
— Courtney Haun, PhD (@drcourthaun) April 28, 2021
“We sit in the shade of the trees we did not plant.”@SamfordU #ThankYouDrWestmoreland #SamfordCelebrates pic.twitter.com/cqxjMXtu7r
“May you remember, that on a hillside in Alabama, there are people who will recall years from now with the proud memory..THAT was my president.”
— William Cohen (@WillCo7) May 5, 2021
I am one of those people.
Congratulations on retirement, Dr. Westmoreland. Your impact on @SamfordU and it’s people is infinite.
Last day of Spring classes @SamfordU @BrockBusiness #ThankYouDrWestmoreland for planting trees and inspiring others to do the same. “We sit in the shade...” pic.twitter.com/8hYPlPxAjQ
— Rusty Yerkes PhD CFA (@PeregrineFinanc) April 29, 2021
What an exciting night to celebrate and thank Drs Andy & Jeana Westmoreland. @SamfordU #ThankYouDrWestmoreland pic.twitter.com/uWRbiWr4z7
— John Roland (@jaroland74) April 27, 2021
"May you remember, that on a hillside in Alabama, there are people who will recall years from now with the proud memory, 'that was my president.'"
— Samford University (@SamfordU) April 28, 2021
To our president and first lady, we thank you for your devotion to Samford University. #SamfordCelebrates #ThankYouDrWestmoreland pic.twitter.com/oIH0aloiC6
It is impossible to express in words just how much the Westmorelands have meant to @SamfordU over the past 15 years. Thank you both for your tireless dedication, service, and commitment to my beloved alma mater. #ThankYouDrWestmoreland https://t.co/fCSSCiBQQ2
— Judge Stephen Dillard (@JudgeDillard) April 27, 2021
Dr. Westmorelands - #ThankYouDrWestmoreland for maintaining Samford's Baptist heritage with the Alabama Baptist Convention! I'm glad you're still training those called by God beginning in Marion in 1841.
— Daniel Ausbun (@DanielAusbun) April 25, 2021
This is such a wonderful @SamfordU tradition—our president sends handwritten notes to all incoming students. My daughter received hers today. pic.twitter.com/dfB95ZUEkp
— Judge Stephen Dillard (@JudgeDillard) April 24, 2021
What a great leader and friend for Samford University! #ThankYouDrWestmoreland https://t.co/dMmWfjFTsJ
— Mazzei (@Mazzei_MJ) April 26, 2021