When Grace Fennimore walks across the stage to receive her diploma in May, she will exemplify the merger of academia and service. A senior political science major from Huntsville, Alabama, Fennimore has excelled in her studies at Samford University while serving in the Air Force specializing in intelligence.
Growing up in a military environment, Fennimore recognized the value of service to the country. While her father and two sisters serve in the Army, she chose a different route, becoming the first in her family to join the Air Force.
“They just tend to have a better life,” she said of airmen. “My dad says I'll be in a hotel while my sisters will be in tents.”
Her journey into military service began during her freshman year at Samford. After meeting Air Force personnel her father had worked with, she realized she could maintain a normal college experience while also serving. Following rigorous testing and medical evaluations, she officially enlisted at the end of her freshman year, securing a position in intelligence.
Initially drawn to Samford’s education program, Fennimore realized her calling lay elsewhere and shifted to political science. The close-knit community and smaller class sizes played a significant role in her decision to stay, allowing her to form meaningful relationships with professors and advisers.
“Samford is willing to work with anybody who wants to do this,” she said. “I think the university prepared me for the Air Force and the Air Force has brought valuable real-world experience back to my classes.”
Last semester, Fennimore balanced a full-time job in the Air Force with taking classes at Samford. Bolstered by the support of professors and advisers, she tailored her coursework to align with her professional experiences, using her Air Force role as an internship for her degree.
As an all-source intelligence analyst, Fennimore assesses threats, briefs aircrew and tracks global events. Her work directly impacts Air Force operations, particularly in Birmingham, where her unit specializes in air-to-air refueling.
“I work with incredibly smart and experienced people,” she said. “At first, I thought I’d never measure up. But over time, I realized that hard work and drive can get you there.”
Fennimore encourages all students considering military service to explore their options during their time on campus. “If you’re thinking about it, talk to someone,” she said. “There are people at Samford with military experience who can help guide you.”
She emphasized the importance of prayer and self-reflection in making the decision.
“It’s a big commitment but it offers education benefits, job experience and personal growth,” she said. “If you feel called to it, go for it.”
Fennimore credits several individuals at Samford for their support throughout her journey. Academic adviser Leslie Armstrong helped her transition back to campus after taking a year off for military training. Fred Shepherd, professor of political science, assisted in shaping her internship experience to ensure it complemented her studies. Noemí Oeding, assistant professor of political science, emphasized critical thinking about the intersection of military service and public administration, highlighting the value Fennimore could bring to classroom discussions.
With graduation on the horizon, Fennimore stands as a testament to resilience, service and academic excellence. Her time at Samford and in the Air Force has been a balancing act of discipline, ambition and perseverance—one that prepared her for the future ahead.
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