Samford is making significant progress on its 20-year campus master plan. Based on the university’s strategic plan, the four-phase campus master plan addresses infrastructure needs for the entire campus, increases energy efficiency, practices campus-wide conservation and refreshes and renews every facility — all steps in the process of creating a sustainable future for generations of Samford students.
Nearing completion is the transformation of A. Hamilton Reid Chapel, Percy Pratt Burns Hall, James Horton Chapman Hall and Robert I. Ingalls, Sr. Hall to create a new home for many of the departments of Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Spiritual Life, Admission and Student Financial Services. The departments are moving into the newly refurbished spaces in August, while the Offices of Admission and Student Financial Services will move into their new spaces by mid-fall.
These vibrantly renovated spaces include a prayer room, upgraded classrooms and labs, student-faculty gathering spaces, a spacious new student commons, event spaces, offices, admission presentation rooms and integrated student services spaces.
The Rotunda and Rotunda Club in Dwight and Lucille Beeson Center have been beautifully upgraded. The club will reopen in the fall and will include a new menu and dining options. Plans for a rededication ceremony will be announced soon.
The Daniel House, Samford’s London study center, also underwent major renovation this summer, with its reopening expected in January 2019. The rooms and bathrooms are being expanded and kitchen, laundry area and gathering spaces are being updated.
Plans for a new data analytics lab in Samford’s Brock School of Business are taking shape and an expansion of the Athletic Success Services Center in Leo E. Bashinsky Field House is underway. A number of other renovation projects took place over the summer, including updates to residence halls.
Beeson University Center Renovation
The university community will benefit from major upgrades to the decades old Beeson University Center. When completed, the building will feature new student gathering spaces, an expanded food court, a renovated bookstore and new offices for the Division of Student Affairs.
The newly enhanced first floor is expected to be a destination place for students to gather, collaborate, eat, study and attend events. The planning phase included partnering with Samford’s interior architecture students, who developed beautiful designs for the space. The renovation will include an expanded food court with new venues — including a full-service Chick-fil-A and Moe’s Southwest Grill. The bookstore will expand and include a convenience store with extended hours of operation.
Harry’s Coffeehouse will be completely renovated with moveable walls to provide open space for students and dining or enclosed space for events. It will also include an outdoor extension, and a beautiful sky-lit stairwell will connect the first and second floors of the University Center. This project will extend through spring 2019.
Sustainability Initiatives: Giving Back
In 2017, the Board of Trustees of Samford University approved a 20-year plan to improve energy efficiency on campus. Samford partnered with Johnson Controls Inc. to complete this work. They installed more than 1,100 windows, new sanitary fixtures, over 22,500 LED lighting upgrades and several mechanical improvements, resulting in significant energy savings across campus. These savings are expected to grow as the final phases of implementation are completed.
It’s an exciting time at Samford University. There are a number of events and activities on campus this fall that the community is invited to enjoy. (Samford)
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Samford sees continued progress with new programs, enhanced facilities
Samford University begins its 177th year during some of the most significant progress in university history. The addition of new degree programs, record enrollments and major campus improvements will greet students as they return to campus in August. Undergraduate classes begin August 27, but many graduate and professional programs begin earlier in the month.
National rankings
Samford’s reputation as a premier Christian university continues to be affirmed by national rankings. In 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked Samford No. 3 in the South, No. 5 in the South for most innovative and No. 1 in the South for best colleges for veterans among regional universities. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Samford No. 50 among private universities in the U.S. for value and affordability. Samford is ranked No. 87 nationally and No. 1 in Alabama by The Economist and is the top-ranked university in Alabama in national rankings conducted by both Forbes Inc. and The Wall Street Journal. Samford ranks No. 5 on the 2018 College Atlas list of the best Christian colleges and universities in America.
The university has strategically added new degree programs in arts and health sciences to meet the needs of today’s workforce. New degree programs include a Bachelor of Arts in Worship and the Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Music in Instrumental Performance, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Doctor of Audiology.
In addition to new programs, 40 new full-time faculty members have joined the Samford community since October 2017. (Samford)
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Key fall events at Samford
• Aug. 27 — Opening Convocation of the 177th anniversary academic session, Wright Center, 10 a.m.
• Aug. 30 — Rededication of A. Hamilton Reid Chapel, Percy Pratt Burns Hall, James Horton Chapman Hall and Robert I. Ingalls, Sr. Hall, Reid Chapel, 9:45 a.m.
• Sept. 7 — Healthcare Ethics and Law Conference, Cooney Hall, 8 a.m.
• Sept. 14–16 — Family Weekend
• Nov. 2–3 — Homecoming
For more information on these and other events at Samford, visit samford.edu/events.
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