Posted by William Nunnelley on 2006-08-28

Dr. Nancy C. Biggio, a member of the Samford in Mission (SIM) team since January 2005, has been named director of the SIM program. She succeeds Dr. Dan Sandifer-Stech, who left Samford to become pastor of an interdenominational church in Beijing, China.

Biggio, who teaches cultural perspectives in Samford's core curriculum program, has been involved in a variety of SIM activities during the past year. She planned and executed the Faith in Action national student conference, established the Perry County Study Center, began initial planning for the Inter-School Symposium and launched the Samford Corps.

"Because of the consistent work of the SIM team and close collaboration between Dan and Nancy, we are confident that SIM will move smoothly through this transition and continue this important work," said Samford Associate Provost Mark Bateman.

Biggio holds the bachelor of arts degree from Drew University and master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees from the University of Alabama.

The SIM program was funded by a $2 million Lilly Endowment grant in 2002. It provides opportunities for students to work with faculty and staff in programs of service and work while engaging in reflection on vocation and mission.

 
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.