Veteran Samford University faculty member David S. Shipley has been named director of international programs for the 2008-09 academic year. The appointment is effective July 1.

As director, he will oversee a broad-based, year-round international study program. Samford maintains a center in London, England, and has ongoing study abroad opportunities in Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and Costa Rica, in addition to opportunities available through partnership organizations and universities. He also will work with students from abroad who come to study on Samford's Birmingham campus.

Shipley replaces Marigene Chamberlain, program director since 2005, who is moving to the full-time teaching faculty in the department of world languages and cultures.

"Dr. Shipley is an ideal person to lead Samford's burgeoning international studies program as we expand our global education emphasis," said Associate Provost J. Mark Bateman. "He brings the right combination of academic awareness and practical experience to this critical part of Samford's mission."

Shipley is associate professor of journalism and will continue to teach at least one course in the journalism and mass communication department. During the spring 2007 semester, Shipley was faculty-in-residence for Samford's London Studies Program and has been actively involved in other international study opportunities.

"In a time of fear and apprehension, the best course of study for world citizenship is exposure, education, and mutual understanding in the global village," Shipley said. "For our students and for students who come from overseas to study at Samford, a study-abroad experience is the ultimate transforming educational experience."

Shipley joined the Samford faculty in 1993. He has bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Georgia and the doctor of philosophy degree from Louisiana State University.