Profile

Established in 1841 as Howard College, Samford University is located in the suburbs of Birmingham, AL. A private research university rooted in the Christian spirit, the school values academics just as much as it does faith, and encourages students to combine the two through service. The university boasts 158 majors, minors and concentrations, as well as pre-professional programs. Last year, students clocked more than 716,902 hours of community service. Stamford students can participate in more than 100 student organizations, 200 art events, and Step Sing—a campus tradition during which students organize music, choreography and costumes for three days of performances. Another popular event is the Lighting of the Way ceremony, when the community lights the campus tree and goes on candlelit walks to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I athletics and participate in the Southern Conference. Alumni include Nobel Peace Prize winner Cordell Hull and U.S. Supreme Court Justices Horace Harmon Lurton and Howell Edmunds Jackson.