The executive committee of Samford University’s Board of Trustees approved new faculty and summer graduates at their meeting on June 25.

More than 125 candidates for summer graduation were approved by the trustees. Following their vote, the trustees continued their long-standing tradition of praying for students as they prepare to graduate.

Trustees also approved 11 new faculty members across 10 academic disciplines including arts, business, communication studies, healthcare administration, journalism, pharmacy, political science and world languages and cultures. 

Samford’s Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts was renamed a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art to add specificity and to reflect national standards. The degree program provides study enriched with mastering skills and techniques as an artist. Graduates work as painters, gallery workers, arts administrators, sculptors and printmakers.

Trustees approved a balanced operating budget of $179.9M for fiscal year 2020, which includes a nearly 10% increase in scholarship funding.

In a series of reports by university administrators, trustees heard updates on student recruitment, athletics, advancement, marketing, and progress on the campus master plan. The advancement report noted that as of June 7, 2019 more than $165 million has been given or pledged to the $300 million Forever Samford campaign. As of April 30, 2019, the university’s endowment was valued at $293.9 million.