Samford University Howard College of Arts and Sciences

06/05/2026

Howard College welcomed its first Orientation group of the summer today! 🎉

New Bulldogs heard from assistant dean Dana Basinger about navigating college life, choosing a major, connecting with advisors and making the most of their Howard College experience. Dean Dawn McCormack also welcomed students and families, answering questions before the group headed to breakout sessions in Brooks Hall.

We're excited to meet the newest members of the Howard College family and can't wait to see all they'll accomplish at Samford. 🐾

06/04/2026

After four decades of caring for animals and serving the Birmingham community, Dr. Bill Christenberry is retiring from veterinary practice at the end of June. A 1986 graduate of Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Bill helped launch Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic in 1990 and has spent more than 35 years building a trusted legacy of care.

While he may be stepping away from the clinic, Bill's impact at Samford University continues. A valued member of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, he also plans to continue teaching this fall as an adjunct biology professor, investing in the next generation of scientists and health professionals.

06/02/2026

Congratulations to HCAS student-athlete Darcy Nicholls on being named a recipient of the Southern Conference's prestigious William V. Moore Scholarship!

A double major in Law, Politics and Society and Political Science, Darcy has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while excelling on the tennis court, earning back-to-back SoCon Pinnacle Awards, All-SoCon honors and recognition as an ITA Scholar Athlete. Beyond his academic and athletic achievements, Darcy has dedicated countless hours to serving special needs students and youth organizations in the community.

Darcy plans to pursue a law degree after competing professionally in tennis. We are proud to celebrate this outstanding recognition and the leadership, scholarship and service he represents so well.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Two Samford student-athletes were named the recipients of postgraduate scholarships from the Southern Conference when the league released its annual recipients Wednesday morning.

05/29/2026

The Howard College of Arts and Sciences joins many in reflecting on the life and legacy of Clarence B. Jones, trusted attorney, advisor and speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who passed away at age 95.

Jones played a pivotal role in preserving and shaping some of the most important documents of the Civil Rights Movement, including helping smuggle out portions of King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and contributing to the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

In a recent AL.com article, Samford history professor Dr. Jonathan Bass, an expert on the Civil Rights Movement and author of "Blessed Are the Peacemakers," shared insights on Jones' influence and lasting impact.

https://www.al.com/news/2026/05/mlk-lawyer-who-smuggled-out-letter-from-birmingham-jail-dies-at-95.html

The attorney for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. played key role in 1963 ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’

05/28/2026

“Leadership rooted in service.” 👏

From serving as SGA president to advocating for justice through ministry, research and civic engagement, Caleb John ’26 leaves Samford with a legacy of faith-filled leadership and a commitment to making a difference far beyond campus.

Congratulations to this Howard College graduate as he begins his next chapter in law, ministry and public service. 💙

For Caleb John ’26, leadership has always been rooted in service. During his time at Samford University, John became known as a thoughtful advocate, campus leader and student deeply committed to justice, faith and civic engagement.

05/22/2026

Computer Science student Daniel Abbott is using AI to fight cryptocurrency scams and protect potential victims from online fraud. Through his work with the nonprofit Intelligence for Good, Abbott developed a fully autonomous system that identifies scam websites, extracts malicious cryptocurrency wallet addresses and reports them to law enforcement agencies and crypto exchanges.

His innovative work highlights the hands-on learning opportunities and real-world impact Samford students are making through Howard College of Arts and Sciences.

Full story here: https://www.samford.edu/arts-and-sciences/news/2026/Samford-Student-Uses-AI-to-Combat-Growing-Online-Crypto-Scams

05/21/2026

From Birmingham to Rome 🇮🇹✨

More than 90 Samford students and faculty gathered in Rome this week for a special evening of fellowship and celebration during their study abroad experiences. Students from the Eternal Rome and Sacred Art in Italy courses joined University Fellows beginning their Italian adventures for a shared dinner in the heart of the Eternal City.

Special thanks to Doug Clapp, chair of philosophy and classics in Howard College, for organizing this memorable gathering and creating space for connection across programs.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Molly Lockart, assistant professor in Samford's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, on receiving a prestigious $25,000 NetVUE Grant for Vocational Exploration from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)!

The award supports faculty scholarship and pedagogy focused on vocation in undergraduate education and is funded through Lilly Endowment Inc. Dr. Lockart’s project was selected among proposals from NetVUE member institutions nationwide.

We are proud to see Howard College faculty continuing to lead meaningful work that connects academic excellence, purpose and calling. 👏🧪💙

05/19/2026

Big congratulations to Howard College alumni Jessica Smith ’23 and Tristan Mullen ’21 on graduating from the University of Notre Dame Law School! 🎓

Both were active members of Samford’s History Department and have continued to distinguish themselves through their academic excellence and leadership. Their achievements reflect the strong foundation built at Samford and the many paths a history degree can open.

05/18/2026

Samford students are serving across disciplines and across borders in Costa Rica. 🇨🇷

For the first time, undergraduate nursing and Spanish students are partnering alongside graduate physician assistant students during a study abroad experience focused on community health clinics. Together, they are serving churches, schools, immigration sites and Salvation Army locations while learning through hands-on collaboration and care.

Spanish students are providing interpretation support for medical teams, creating a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary learning in action.

We’re proud to see Howard College students using their knowledge and skills to serve others around the world. 💙