Published on December 19, 2024 by Kameron Brown  
Leadership Research Innovation

Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education proudly announces the release of its annual publication, Leadership, Research & Innovation in Education. The digital compilation highlights the creativity, impact and faith embodied by the school’s faculty, students and alumni.

This award-winning publication underscores the school’s dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and impactful research, aligning with its mission to make a global difference by integrating faith and education.

“The goal of our effort is to model continuous learning, remain at the forefront of innovative educational practices and provide the highest quality pedagogy to students and the community alike. This work benefits our students and the professional community and ultimately brings glory to the kingdom of God,” said Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education.

The 2024 edition features stories of leadership, innovation and resilience. Faculty, students and alumni are breaking boundaries in education, human development and family science to create lasting, global change.

“The type and scope of scholarship you will read about is appropriate for a teaching-focused institution and translates to the quality of teaching and learning taking place in our classrooms,” said McEwan.

This year’s publication spotlights the pioneering efforts of assistant professor Kate Scarborough and associate professor Tarsha Shepard, who spearheaded the i3 Academy Reading Fellows program. By equipping paraprofessionals with advanced training in literacy instruction and classroom management, the program sets a new benchmark for educational excellence.

Readers will also be inspired by the journey of alumnus Gregory Moore, EdD ’21, whose dedication to character education and leadership earned him the title of Alabama’s 2024 High School Principal of the Year. His story exemplifies the transformative power of a Samford education, serving as a beacon of resilience and empowerment.

The publication further explores the school’s commitment to character development, showcasing innovative practices, impactful research and visionary leadership. These efforts reinforce Orlean Beeson School of Education’s status as a trailblazer in shaping the future of education and affirm Samford University’s No. 2 national ranking for character development by The Wall Street Journal.

“We are proud to share the stories of our incredible community—stories stories that exemplify the powerful intersection of faith, learning and service,” said McEwan. “We encourage everyone to explore Leadership, Research & Innovation in Education and witness the extraordinary contributions of our alumni, faculty and students.”

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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.