Samford Your Neighbor

Community Events

We offer an array of performing arts, athletic events and camps for the community to enjoy.

Samford Arts Events

Athletic Events

Summer Camps

Friends of Samford

“Samford cultivates leaders who not only excel professionally but also uplift Birmingham with vision and heart. At Mi Pueblo, we value community, and I often see that same spirit in Samford alumni—genuine, service-driven individuals working to make our city better for all.”

—Dulce Victoria Rivera ‘17, CEO, Community Leader

“Samford is shaping the next generation of leaders. With its commitment to community and character, Samford’s students will be the helpers, builders, and thinkers driving Alabama’s growth and innovation for years to come.”

—Bill Smith ‘24, Founder & CEO

“Samford demonstrates its commitment to being a good neighbor by engaging with Birmingham’s Latino community through partnerships and educational initiatives.

“Its collaboration with ¡HICA! supports advocacy, economic empowerment, and inclusive opportunities, fostering meaningful relationships that strengthen our shared community.”

—Carlos E. Alemán, PhD, CEO, Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama

“Samford University exemplifies an ideal community partnership through its collaboration with Homewood City Schools and elected officials. By providing athletic camps and enrichment programs, Samford positively impacts local students and the community. As a former Samford employee, current city councilor, and Samford liaison for Homewood, I've witnessed firsthand their commitment to thoughtful development and active city engagement. Samford is a good neighbor who continually works to enhance our shared community. Go Bulldogs!”

—Jalete Joseph Nelms Communications and Partnerships Manager, Central Six AlabamaWorks!

“Samford’s impact extends far beyond its campus. Through education, service, and leadership, Samford continues to shape Birmingham’s future—building strong communities, fostering innovation, and preparing servant leaders who make a difference every day.”

—Leigh Davis ‘05, Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions and Business Development, Southern Company

“Homewood City Schools deeply values its partnership with Samford University and takes great pride in the contributions of our Samford alumni employees. We believe we are stronger together and remain committed to fostering this relationship. As an Orlean Beeson School of Education graduate, I can confidently say Samford shaped me into the educator I am today.”

—Dr. Justin Hefner ‘18, Superintendent, Homewood City Schools

In the Community

Stronger Together: Orlean Beeson School of Education’s Commitment to Community

In 2020, as schools and workplaces across the country scrambled to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna McEwan, dean of Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, and Justin Hefner, EdS ’16, EdD ’18, superintendent of Homewood City Schools, both stepped into their leadership roles mid-crisis.

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Samford Streamlines Path for Community College Transfers Through Expanded Partnerships

Current agreements include Jefferson State, Gadsden State, Wallace State and Lawson State community colleges.

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Pam and Bill Smith Inspire Students with Unique Gift

Bill Smith, a well-known Birmingham entrepreneur and community leader, announced the creation of a unique gift for Samford that will significantly impact future generations of Samford students.

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Social Media Marketing Students Empower Local Nonprofits

Brock School of Business students put their classroom knowledge to work, partnering with eight Birmingham nonprofits and three Samford Startup companies to develop innovative social media strategies.

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Turning the Page on Literacy Gaps in Alabama

Samford alumna Shelly Mize, MSE ’98, EDS ’01, EDD ’03 has developed an innovative literacy program in Jefferson County that is bringing free books to underserved children through book vending machines. This community-driven initiative is tackling educational inequities and promoting early childhood literacy.

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Peanuts Pals Meet Pupils: Samford's Theatre for Youth Brings Charlie Brown to Life for Schools

Samford School of the Arts’ Theatre for Youth program hosted Birmingham elementary schools and Unless U, a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities, for exclusive matinee performances.

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Our Impact

Independent research has shown Samford greatly impacts the state of Alabama's job creation, generation of significant tax revenues, promotion of innovation, assistance in business creation and growth and facilitation of economic development.

Samford’s economic impact in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area is estimated to be $414.9 million. This includes an annual economic impact of $19.7 million due to university campus visitors.

Additionally, Samford is a net importer of human capital to Alabama and Birmingham. From 2014-24, 18% of all out-of-state students decided to remain employed in Alabama or attend graduate school after graduation. A significantly smaller percentage (9%) of students whose home state was Alabama elected to relocate outside the state after graduating from Samford. In 2024, Samford enrolled students from 45 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries. View the full report.

Our Beautiful Campus

Medallion Awards

three male students at samford gives back day 2024

Community Engagement

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