Samford University
Birmingham, AL
Quick Facts
“Deo Doctrinae Aeternitati”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Samford University
Where tradition meets innovation, fostering academic excellence and a vibrant community.
Samford University, rooted in a rich history dating back to its founding as Howard College in 1841, is a vibrant private university dedicated to holistic student development. Originally established in Marion, Alabama, the university has undergone significant transformations, including multiple relocations and an evolution from a college to a comprehensive university in 1965, when it was renamed Samford to honor a longtime trustee. This journey reflects a resilient spirit, overcoming challenges from a devastating fire to the Civil War, and continually adapting to serve its growing student body.
Today, Samford is renowned for its diverse academic offerings and commitment to a values-driven education, guided by its motto "Deo Doctrinae Aeternitati" (For God, For Learning, For Eternity). Its academic strengths span across highly respected professional schools, including the Cumberland School of Law, one of the nation's oldest, and the comprehensive College of Health Sciences, which houses prominent nursing, pharmacy, and public health programs. The university fosters an engaging learning environment, blending its historical legacy with modern facilities and innovative programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers and lives of service.
Prospective students and families will find a welcoming campus community at Samford, where academic rigor is complemented by a supportive atmosphere. With a strong emphasis on global engagement, epitomized by its London study center, Samford encourages students to broaden their horizons. The university’s continuous growth, marked by significant endowments and ongoing campus expansions, underscores its dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience, ensuring students thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1841 as Howard College, with a rich history of resilience and adaptation.
- ✦A private university serving 6,324 students with an endowment of $0.5 billion.
- ✦Home to the Cumberland School of Law, one of the nation's oldest law schools, acquired in 1961.
- ✦Established a comprehensive College of Health Sciences in 2013, encompassing highly-regarded nursing, pharmacy, and health professions programs.
- ✦Received the largest single-donor gift ever made to an Alabama higher education institution: $100 million in 2022.
- ✦Operates a study abroad center in London, England, providing global learning opportunities.
- ✦Contributes significantly to Alabama's economy, with an economic impact of $424.8 million and supporting 2,424 jobs (2016–17).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within Samford University
Cumberland School of Law
One of the nation's oldest law schools, acquired in 1961.
School of Music
Established in 1914 as part of the college's expansion of academic offerings.
School of Education and Journalism
Added in 1915, reflecting an expansion of professional studies.
McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Began as the Department of Pharmacy in 1927, at the time the only program of its kind in the Southeastern U.S.
Brock School of Business
A new school of business established in 1965 when the institution achieved university status, later named Brock School of Business.
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Acquired in 1973 as Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing, and later renamed Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing in 2020.
School of Health Professions
Newly created in 2013 as part of the comprehensive College of Health Sciences.
School of Public Health
Newly created in 2013 as part of the comprehensive College of Health Sciences.
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