Year 2 of Leadership Samford kicks off in September, bringing together a broad swath of faculty and staff from multiple departments across campus.
The program instructs participants on navigating complex leadership environments and cultivating a service-minded community, along with exploring features unique to Samford University and Christian higher education. Its ultimate mission is developing leaders with an increased sense of calling.
“The Leadership Samford program is a premier opportunity for employees to focus on their leadership skills while learning more about Samford and its history,” said President Beck A. Taylor. “Participants walk away with invaluable insights into institutional dynamics, strategy, and narrative, and they get precious time to think about ways God is shaping them to be future leaders at Samford and beyond.”
Selected through an application process, this year’s cohort includes:
Eric Allen
Administrative Assistant, University Library
Victoria Allen
Executive Director of Development Advancement and Marketing
Morgan Black
Director of University Marketing, Division of Advancement and Marketing
Joe Cory
Professor of Art, School of the Arts
Jonathan Den Hartog
Chair, Professor of History, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Karen Eddins
Undergraduate Recruitment, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Sara McCarty
Professor of Economics, Brock School of Business
David Robbins
Associate Professor of Health Informatics, School of Public Health
Kate Scarborough
Assistant Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
Brian Stanley
Information Security Analyst, Technology Services
Chuck Stokes
Associate Professor of Sociology, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Michael Thomas
Professor of Pharmacy Practice, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
The nine-month program, which blends face-to-face instruction and online learning, features three retreats built around inflection points of the university’s history.
“I am particularly impressed with the way Leadership Samford is a unique leadership program,” said Hartog, who was encouraged to apply by two colleagues within the History Department. “It's not imported from elsewhere but is built specifically to help the Samford community. As a result, it speaks directly to who we are as members of this institution.”
Victoria Allen applied after hearing about the inspirational experiences of the first year’s cohort.
“I’d like to learn more about myself, and how I can become a more effective Christian leader,” she said. “Building trust within my team, navigating difficult challenges, becoming a better mentor—those are high on my list of priorities.”
Stokes has two degrees from Samford, met his wife here, and has worked at the university in staff and faculty roles. Both of his children are working toward Samford degrees.
“Obviously, I have a pretty strong attachment to this place,” Stokes said. “I’m at a place in my career where many paths are possible, so I’m hoping Leadership Samford can help me discern how I can best serve in these upcoming years. I think it will be wonderful to learn alongside the other dynamic staff and faculty who are participating.”
