Shaped by Service to Others: Landon Kight’s Journey Towards Impact
Through his time in Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Human Development and Family Science program, Landon Kight has learned that understanding people is at the heart of making a meaningful impact.
How Reese Wrather Integrated Passion and Purpose During Her Time at Samford
Reese Wrather arrived at Â鶹ÊÓƵ with a clear sense of what she was looking for: a place where she could pursue both her calling to teach and her passion for dance. What she found was something more.
Building Confidence Through Student Research: School of Education Students Present at Annual Research Colloquia
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, undergraduate research is a defining part of the student experience. In fact, 100% of students in Teacher Education and Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) complete original research projects, exploring questions that connect directly to their coursework and future professions.
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School of Education Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual Awards Ceremony
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Orlean Beeson School of Education held its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, celebrating students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and character.
Kim Kiel Honored with AHSAA Hall of Fame Induction, Continues Leadership Path at Samford
Kim Kiel, Pelham City Schools assistant superintendent and current Â鶹ÊÓƵ Orlean Beeson School of Education graduate student, has been named to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
A Full Circle Season: Samford Employee Prepares to Graduate While Her Daughter Begins Her Samford Journey
For Sie Clay, this season in her life represents both an ending and a beginning. As she prepares to graduate with her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) through Samford Online, her daughter, Samara, is completing her freshman year studying Human Development and Family Science (HDFS).
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Championing Public Education: Holden’s Journey to Statewide Impact
When Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumnus Chad Holden, EdD ’18, steps into his new role as executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) on July 1, he will bring more than a title. He will bring perspective shaped by more than two decades in public education.
Lysa TerKeurst Speaks on Boundaries and Trust at 15th Annual Corts Distinguished Author Series
Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst visited Â鶹ÊÓƵ as the featured speaker for the 15th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series hosted by Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Leading with Courage: Samford Education Faculty Prepare to Provide Professional Development in Ecuador
This spring break, a team of School of Education faculty will travel to Ecuador to build relationships with three schools, provide professional development and assess opportunities for future student involvement. This initiative reflects the School of Education’s commitment to leading with purpose and preparing educators to serve globally.
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Building Bridges Across Generations: Samford’s 2026 Trinity Forum Encourages Dialogue and Understanding
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, in partnership with the Office of Community Enrichment, hosted the 2026 Trinity Forum on Feb. 17, bringing together educators, students and community partners for an evening of dialogue centered on generational differences in teaching and learning.
Samford’s School of Education New Trinity Forum to Focus on Addressing Generational Differences in Teaching and Learning
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Orlean Beeson School of Education and the Office of Community Enrichment will host a new event, The Trinity Forum, on Feb. 17, 2026, 5:30-8 p.m., in the Regions Community Resource Room, Cooney Hall 400.
Samford’s School of Education to Host Lysa TerKeurst at the 15th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Orlean Beeson School of Education will welcome Lysa TerKeurst as its keynote speaker for the 15th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series, March 3, 2026. She serves as president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and is a seven-time New York TimesÌýbestselling author.
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Preparing Purposeful Educators Through Immersive Partnerships
Orlean Beeson School of Education has transformed its teacher preparation model through immersive partnerships with Trace Crossings Elementary School and Homewood Middle School. These collaborations give Samford education majors extensive hands-on experience, from leading small groups to participating in professional meetings and on-site teaching labs. The approach bridges theory with practice and has earned national recognition. Students say the partnerships build confidence, deepen relationships and provide real-world insight that strengthens their readiness for the classroom.
The Power of Character Education in Athletics
Laura Casey, MSE ’23, athletics director for Vestavia City Schools and a current Samford doctoral student, launched Coaches for Character in partnership with Orlean Beeson School of Education. The program equips young coaches with practical tools to build culture, confidence and leadership within their teams.
Former Samford Goalkeeper Finds Her Footing in Canada’s Newly Established Pro League
Morgan McAslan '22 has won the Golden Glove award in her first season in Canada’s new Northern Super League and credits her time at Samford with shaping both her work ethic and her professional readiness.
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Samford School of Education Alumna Features Christenberry Planetarium in New Book
When Cherith Fluker, EdD ’18, set out to write Secret Birmingham, she wanted to uncover lesser-known stories of her city. Released in August, the book highlights 84 distinctive sites in Birmingham, Alabama, weaving together history, culture and community. Among those featured is Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Boyd E. Christenberry Planetarium, placing the university at the heart of Birmingham’s story.
Samford School of Education Alumna Establishes Scholarship Honoring Beloved Fourth-Grade Teacher
When Shelly Mize, MSE ’98, EdS ’01, EdD ’03 reflects on her career, she quickly recognizes two sources of inspiration: Â鶹ÊÓƵ and her fourth-grade teacher, LaFern Stiver. Now serving as executive director of the Children’s Policy Cooperative of Jefferson County, Mize has honored her teacher by establishing the LaFern Stiver Scholarship within Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Samford’s School of Education Celebrates Teacher Education Candidates in Honorary Ceremonies
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted two ceremonies honoring teacher education candidates—the Lamp of Learning ceremony and the Kappa Delta Pi initiation—on Sept. 10.
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