
Pete Hanna (1936-2025): Samford philanthropist ‘embodied the best our university has to offer’
Pete Hanna, the former Samford student-athlete and steel company CEO whose name adorns the university's football stadium and basketball arena, has died at age 88.

Scholars of Merit Announced for Spring 2025 Term
The following Cumberland School of Law students qualified as Scholars of Merit for the spring 2025 term.

Samford Appoints David Holcomb as Chair of Political Science Department
Following a national search, Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences has selected David Holcomb, PhD as the new chair of the Department of Political Science, effective August 2025.

Samford Alumna Laura Aughtman Bridges Cultures Through Language and Passion
When Laura Aughtman graduated early from Samford University in December 2023, she didn't waste any time launching into her next chapter.

West Named Academic All-American Trial Advocate by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators
John West, a recent graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, has been named an Academic All-American Trial Advocate by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators, which recognizes law students who demonstrate academic achievement and competition success, and who embody the highest standards of professionalism, skill and service in legal advocacy. West is one of just 20 law students nationwide to be named an inaugural recipient of the award.

Linden Cundiff Reflects on Her Transfer Journey and Community at Samford
In May, Linden Cundiff walked across the stage at Samford University’s spring commencement ceremony, a moment that marked the end of a college journey she chose to reshape through transferring.

U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadets Commissioned During Annual Ceremony at Samford
Four cadets were appointed as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force during the spring commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 012 on May 1 in Samford University’s Reid Chapel. The detachment, located on Samford’s campus, trains cadets from colleges and universities throughout the Birmingham area.

Samford University’s Character Convening 2025 Advances Global Conversation on Character Education
Educators, scholars and leaders in character education gathered May 12–14 at Hilton Pensacola Beach Resort for the sixth annual Character Convening conference, hosted by Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education. This year’s theme, “Caught, Taught, Sought,” focused on the intentional design of environments that support character development in schools and communities.

Cumberland School of Law Reports 95% Employment Rate for Class of 2024
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law reported a 94.7% employment rate, reflecting the employment status of 2024 graduates who were eligible for and actively seeking employment within 10 months of graduation.

Samford’s Lakeshore Earns National Recognition from DownBeat Magazine
Lakeshore, Samford University's rhythm and blues (R&B) ensemble, has earned national recognition, being named the Undergraduate College Outstanding Performance of the Year by DownBeat magazine. The prestigious honor is featured in the June issue of the magazine, which hit newsstands on May 11. Known as the definitive voice in jazz, blues and R&B journalism for over 90 years, DownBeat's endorsement places Lakeshore among the most promising collegiate music groups in the country.

Paul Hoffman Named Director of Samford’s Preministerial Scholars Program
Samford University has named Paul Hoffman as director of the Preministerial Scholars Program in Howard College of Arts and Sciences.

Samford Celebrates 30 Years of Debate Excellence with Birmingham Area League Championship
The Birmingham Area Debate League (BADL), an outreach initiative of Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences, marked its thirtieth anniversary this academic year with more than 200 Birmingham-area students engaging in monthly, cost-free debate competitions on Samford’s campus.

Emily Hynds Appointed as Samford’s Executive Director for Faculty Success
Samford University recently announced the appointment of Emily Hynds as the new executive director for faculty success, effective July 1, 2025.

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School recognized with major awards
The Religious Communicators Council and Baptist Communicators Association recently recognized Beeson for its excellence in religious communications and public relations. The 2024 Beeson magazine was given the top honor of “Best of Show” by the RCC.

Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education Earns National Recognition from International Literacy Association
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education has once again received national recognition for academic excellence and innovation in teacher preparation. The Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary and Collaborative Education (ESEC) program recently earned national recognition from the International Literacy Association (ILA), a prestigious honor that underscores the school’s commitment to developing highly qualified literacy professionals.

Faith, Family and Physical Therapy: Reed McGuire’s Path to Patient Care
Reed McGuire, a physical therapy graduate student and U.S. Air Force veteran, shares how he balances family, faith, and education.

Cumberland School of Law and Oakwood University Celebrate Ongoing Partnership
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and Oakwood University recently celebrated their ongoing academic partnership during a special media day held on Oakwood’s campus. Originally established in 2021, this accelerated law degree program offers Oakwood students an innovative pathway to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor in just six years, rather than the traditional seven.

Experiential Excellence: Samford Students Deliver Marketing Recommendations to Local Sports Teams
Brock School of Business students in Mary Harrison's marketing research course recently wrapped up an impactful semester-long project by delivering strategic marketing recommendations to three local professional sports teams: the Birmingham Squadron, the Birmingham Legion and the Birmingham Bulls.

Bulldogs Track and Field Set to Compete in NCAA Regional
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Samford track and field program returns to action this week as they travel to the NCAA Championsip East Region that begins on Wednesday. Coming off Southern Conference championships on the men's and women's side for the fifth straight season, the Bulldogs have nine individuals who qualified to compete on the national stage.

Samford Baseball Falls To ETSU In SoCon Tournament Title Game
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The second-seeded Samford University baseball team fell to the top-seeded ETSU Bucs, 7-5, in the championship round of the Southern Conference Tournament Sunday afternoon at Fluor Field.

Baseball Advances To SoCon Tournament Championship Round With 5-1 Win Over Mercer
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The second-seeded Samford University baseball team stayed alive in the Southern Conference Tournament with a 5-1 win over fourth-seeded Mercer Saturday evening at Fluor Field.

Bulldogs Fall To Top-Seeded ETSU, Will Play Elimination Game Saturday Evening
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The second-seeded Samford University baseball team dropped a 14-8 decision to top-seeded ETSU in the semifinals of the Southern Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon at Fluor Field.

Bulldogs Advance In SoCon Tournament With 12-7 Win Over Wofford
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Samford University baseball team advanced in the Southern Conference Tournament by earning a 12-7 win over Wofford Friday afternoon at Fluor Field.