In the Community

 
Photo Samford AID with Lakeshore Foundation
Designing with Purpose: Samford Architecture and Interior Design Students Partner with Lakeshore Foundation on Accessibility Project
Architecture and interior design students from Samford University’s School of the Arts recently took part in a fast-paced, real-world design charrette in collaboration with the Lakeshore Foundation.
Photo samford volunteer painting
Servant Leadership, Local Relationships: Community Engagement at Samford
Samford University's Office of Community Engagement seeks to make a positive impact in Homewood and across the Birmingham area through a number of unique volunteer opportunities for students, employees, family and alumni.
Photo Oakwood Partnership
Cumberland School of Law and Oakwood University Celebrate Ongoing Partnership
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and Oakwood University recently celebrated their ongoing academic partnership during a special media day held on Oakwood’s campus. Originally established in 2021, this accelerated law degree program offers Oakwood students an innovative pathway to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor in just six years, rather than the traditional seven.
 
Photo Medallion1WinnersGroup
Samford Medallion Awards Herald Birmingham's Difference-Makers
A nonprofit founder who harnessed the healing power of horses. An award-winning landscape architect. The leader of an ecumenical ministry. Meet Samford's 2025 Medallion Award recipients.
Photo Students at Samford Gives Back
Over 1,000 Students Make an Impact through Samford Gives Back
More than 1,000 students gathered on April 28 to serve organizations all around the city of Birmingham in the annual Samford Gives Back event.
Photo Bill Cleveland
Cleveland Publishes First Book, Offering Practical Advice for School Superintendents
After 31 years in public education and 12 years as superintendent of Homewood City Schools, Bill Cleveland is adding a new title to his extensive resume: published author.
 
 

Our Impact

Independent research has shown Samford greatly impacts the state of Alabama's job creation, generation of significant tax revenues, promotion of innovation, assistance in business creation and growth and facilitation of economic development.

Samford’s economic impact in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area is estimated to be $414.9 million. This includes an annual economic impact of $19.7 million due to university campus visitors.

Additionally, Samford is a net importer of human capital to Alabama and Birmingham.

From 2014-24, 18% of all out-of-state students decided to remain employed in Alabama or attend graduate school after graduation. A significantly smaller percentage (9%) of students whose home state was Alabama elected to relocate outside the state after graduating from Samford. In 2024, Samford enrolled students from 45 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries. View the full report.

Samford’s annual fiscal and economic impact on Alabama $453.3 MILLION
Samford is also a proud employer of over 1,800 full-time and part-time employees. Want to join Samford's Mission? View Samford Jobs