Samford University junior Grace Estes, a political science major and Howard Scholar, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Joe W. McDade Scholarship. Estes was nominated by the Howard College of Arts and Sciences and selected from among student nominees representing all 10 of Samford’s academic units.
Each year, the Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership is honored to present the Joe W. McDade Scholarship to “a student who exemplifies ethical and moral strength of character and a commitment to service and leadership.” Nominations are submitted by the deans of each college, and Howard College proudly recognized Estes for her exemplary integrity, initiative and dedication to serving others.
A first-generation college student from Big Rock, Tennessee, Estes has consistently sought to expand her academic and professional opportunities. When a remote position with a hometown law firm came to an end, she began calling firms across Birmingham—more than 150 in total—until she secured a role with an office that typically does not hire undergraduate students. The job has not only helped support her financially but has also provided valuable experience for her intended career in law.
“Grace is top notch,” said Dawn McCormack, Howard College dean and professor who taught Estes in one of her most challenging classes. “She was one of the top two students with a near perfect grade. She is someone who truly creates her own future.”
Estes also volunteers her time outside the classroom. She recently joined McCormack on outreach visits to area middle schools, helping present lessons on ancient Egypt to eighth-grade students. Her involvement on campus, particularly with the Mock Trial team, highlights her ongoing commitment to academic and personal growth.
“Grace demonstrates the highest integrity, ethics and moral strength of character,” said Lynn Hogewood, assistant dean of academic and bar success at Samford’s Cumberland School of Law who coaches the Mock Trial team. “She has consistently shown up prepared and willing to lean in—both in class and on the Mock Trial team, sharing her faith openly and honoring Christ through her compassion, service and encouragement of others.”
Estes views this recognition as both an honor and a call to continue pursuing justice and leadership grounded in faith and service.
"This recognition is an irrefutable testament to my professors, parents and late grandfather who invested so heavily in refining my faith and work ethic that taking the easy way out was never an option,” said Estes. “As I answer a divine calling to the practice of law, I hope to honor the standards of moral character and ethical integrity set forth by the Joe W. McDade Scholarship."
The McDade Scholarship affirms her journey and sets the stage for continued impact both at Samford and beyond.
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