On March 17, 2020, Samford University transitioned to remote operations in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. All courses were taught online for the remainder of the spring and throughout the summer semesters. Faculty, staff and students united to ensure our university remained steadfast in our commitment to be a place of superior learning and extraordinary personal development. Additionally, countless Samford alumni across the country and around the world stepped up in tremendous ways to serve patients, families, churches, and communities in need.
Since May, employees have been gradually returning to campus in order to prepare for what is sure to be one of the most memorable semesters in Samford’s history. In the days and weeks ahead, Samford will welcome a record freshman class while embracing plans to mitigate the risks for contracting and spreading the virus on campus.
A crisis of this magnitude creates monumental challenges, but also provides opportunities to learn and adapt. As a result, our university has developed new processes and competencies, most notably in online education. While we look forward to the return of in-person instruction, this experience will undoubtedly strengthen our integration of technology in the classroom and across all of our operations for years to come. The pandemic has challenged us to evolve and adapt, but more than anything, it has reaffirmed the importance of our mission, which unites our Samford community and is what our students, alumni and employees value most.
This digital issue of Seasons magazine is designed to commemorate the extraordinary efforts of Samford students, faculty, staff and alumni during this uniquely challenging time in our world’s history.
As always, please keep Samford in your prayers.
Andrew Westmoreland
President