Published on September 28, 2017 by Sara Roman  
DEC Welcome Back

August 28 Samford University’s campus was teeming with new and returning students eager to reunite with friends, meet professors and find their classes. Education students were welcomed with big smiles and treats from the education school’s Dean’s Executive Council.

The Dean’s Executive Council is a selected group made up of 37 men and women who have an education background and meet quarterly to discuss school of education current affairs and support the school with encouragement, counsel and financial contributions.

The group provides its members with specific areas of engagement one of which is focused on the nurturing of students and their Samford experience. Subcommittee chair, Mary Crawford shared that when the group reflected on their first day of college they knew that would be a perfect opportunity to support the students and make them feel at home.

“We wanted the first day of class to be a day of smiles and welcoming faces,” said Crawford. “Whether you are brand new to Samford or returning for your senior year, having someone go the extra mile to greet you can set the tone for your first day and start to the year.”

When students arrived at the education school, they received water, treats, a school of education pen and an opportunity to win a door prize that consisted of a bag of education school goodies and gift cards to The Summit, Target and Urban Cookhouse.

Jeanie Box, dean of the education school drew freshmen Katie Pool’s name from a bowl with over 300 entries. “Today could go down as the best first day of college ever,” said Pool. “I think this is a sign that I am exactly where I am meant to be.”

The council members also offered maps and assistance with directions to new students that had trouble finding their buildings.

“We are incredibly blessed to have a committed, readily active committee who jumps at the chance to support our students,” said Box. “The first day can be intimidating but our council members helped students feel reassured and added that special Samford touch.”

To find ways that you can be involved in supporting the Orlean Beeson School of Education visit our Dean’s Executive Council page, Centennial Plus Committee page, or view our giving opportunities.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.