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New Initiative Seeks to Build Champions of Character, On and Off the Field
According to the U.S. Department of Education, character education is a shared responsibility of parents, teachers and members of the community, who come together to support positive character development.
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School of Education Launches New Degrees, Certifications through Samford Online
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education is expanding its reach and accessibility through a number of new undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certifications with Samford Online.
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Samford School of Education Celebrates Learning for Life Honorees in Annual Awards Dinner
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education began the fall semester with the school’s annual Learning for Life Awards Dinner.
 
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Samford University’s Teacher Education Program Earns National Recognition for Top Clinical Training
In March 2024, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) released a Clinical Practice Framework, grounded in research and perspectives from the field of education, which details six focus areas that contribute to a strong clinical experience for future teachers.
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Samford Welcomes Higher Education Leaders from Across Africa
On Sept. 24, Samford University welcomed vice presidents and leaders from universities and colleges across the African continent. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State and its International Visitor Leadership Program, Samford was one stop on a three-week tour of Alabama’s colleges, universities, and civil rights history.
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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.
 
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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.
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Faculty Highlights 2023-24
At Orlean Beeson School of Education, faculty are encouraged and empowered to explore innovative and leading opportunities in research to advance the mission of Samford University.
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Empowering Literacy Through Innovation: The i3 Academy Reading Fellows Program
At the heart of education lies a commitment to equipping every individual with the tools to succeed, both in and beyond the classroom.
 
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Samford Alumnus Named Alabama's High School Principal of the Year
Gregory Moore, principal of Springville High School, has been named Alabama’s 2024 High School Principal of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing his transformational leadership and character-focused approach to education.
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National Leaders in Character Development
Samford University’s recent recognition as the nation’s No. 2 institution for character development by The Wall Street Journal highlights a mission deeply rooted in its academic and community initiatives.
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Orlean Beeson School of Education Launches Mission 8.16
Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education has launched Mission 8.16, a comprehensive giving initiative designed to rally support from donors, alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community.
 
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Orlean Beeson School of Education Expands Global Impact through International Opportunities
From teacher internships in Zambia to faculty-led courses in England and Denmark and Sweden, short-term mission trips in Ecuador and leadership programs in Australia, the School of Education is preparing students to thrive in diverse settings while cultivating character, cultural competence and leadership.
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2023-24 Graduate Research
At Orlean Beeson School of Education, doctoral students complete educational research projects (dissertations) as a culmination of the advanced degree program Educational & Organizational Leadership.
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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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2023-24 Undergraduate Senior Research
Through innovation and leadership, the school continues to excel in global conversations surrounding the field of education, human development and family science. Undergraduate research in HDFS has received national recognition for its innovative work and contributions to the field.
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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.
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Mentoring for Life: How Mentorships are Changing the Field of Education
At Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, mentorship is more than an opportunity for students—it is a philosophy woven into the fabric of the school’s curriculum and pedagogy. Through intentional pairing of experienced educators with aspiring leaders, the school is not only preparing students for the challenges of the profession but also setting a gold standard for professional relationships in higher education.