110 Years of Enriching Communities and Empowering Students
In 2025, Samford University's Orlean Beeson School of Education celebrates 110 years of excellence, tracing its roots back to the establishment of teacher education programs at Howard College in 1915 when Nannie Merle Hidden became the first woman to lead an academic department and became dean of women and professor of education. Since then, the school has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enriching communities and preparing graduates empowered to educate, lead and serve.
Samford’s School of Education Hosts Lucy S. R. Austen for 14th Annual Corts Distinguished Author Series
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted “The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Elliot” during its 14th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series in Brock Recital Hall on March 4. Lucy S. R. Austen, author of Elisabeth Elliot: A Life, delivered a lecture and Q&A exploring the remarkable life of one of the 20th century’s most influential Christian women.
Samford’s School of Education to Host the 2025 Character Convening
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education will host the 6th annual Character Convening conference May 12-14. The two day event invites global leaders to collaborate on the importance of character education in P-12, higher education and community settings.
Cleveland Publishes First Book, Offering Practical Advice for School Superintendents
After 31 years in public education and 12 years as superintendent of Homewood City Schools, Bill Cleveland is adding a new title to his extensive resume: published author.
Areté Means More Than Excellence
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education is renowned for its commitment to character education, producing top graduates who are equipped for their careers and prepared to be leaders in their communities. One of the strongest examples of this commitment is Areté, a unique committee established in 2020 that provides structure and shared leadership for the school’s character education initiatives.
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.
Samford Streamlines Path for Community College Transfers Through Expanded Partnerships
Current agreements include Jefferson State, Gadsden State, Wallace State and Lawson State community colleges.
Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education Earns National Acclaim for Teacher Education
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education received the 2025 Billy G. Dixon Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. The award, presented by the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), recognizes exceptional teacher education programs that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in preparing future educators.
Samford Adds Wallace State to Transfer Partnership
Samford University adds Wallace State as the third local community college opening pathways for transfer students.
Spring Convocation Highlights Diversity Through Lens of God Creating Everyone 'Uniquely Different'
Samford University’s 2024 spring semester officially launched with Provost Dave Cimbora delivering a unifying address about Biblical diversity from John 4.
Leadership, Research & Innovation in Education 2024 Out Now
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education announces the release of its annual publication, Leadership, Research & Innovation in Education. The digital compilation highlights the creativity, impact and faith embodied by the school’s faculty, students and alumni.
Samford Honors 2024 Fall Graduates: 'It is Your Turn to Now Lead Us'
President Beck A. Taylor expresses gratitude to nearly 300 new alumni: “Please know that Samford University is a better university because you were here.”
Serving the People of Ecuador, Where a Professor’s Passion Meets Purpose
Raised as a missionary kid, Kara Chism, an Orlean Beeson School of Education professor and alumna, continues to live out her calling to serve.
Lucy S. R. Austen to Spotlight Elisabeth Elliot’s Legacy at 14th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education will present “The Life and Legacy of Elisabeth Elliot” during its 14th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series on March 4, 2025. Lucy S. R. Austen, author of Elisabeth Elliot: A Life, will offer the lecture exploring the remarkable life of one of the 20th century’s most influential Christian women.
Samford, Auburn Celebrate Beth Thorne Stukes as Alabama Philanthropist of the Year
Beth Stukes, a member of the Samford University Board of Trustees, will receive the William M. + Virginia B. Spencer Outstanding Philanthropist Award, highlighting her commitment to advancing education across Alabama.
Samford's Humanitarian of the Year: Katherine Rodgers Witnesses Faith Lived Out in Kenya
Katherine Rodgers, Samford's Humanitarian of the Year, followed God's calling to launch ministry that assists disabled children in Kenya.
It Takes a Village: How Samford's Department of Human Development and Family Science Builds Stronger Communities
At Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is bridging the gap between academia and community by forging partnerships that not only enhance student learning but also improve lives across Birmingham and beyond.
Samford Center for Worship and the Arts Receives $1.25 Million Grant to Strengthen Children’s Worship Experiences
Poised to revitalize the landscape of children’s liturgical formation, Samford University’s Center for Worship and the Arts has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. This funding will breathe life into a new program, Animating Young Worshipers: Strengthening Worship-Shaped Ministry with Children.
