John Howard, born Sept. 2, 1726, devoted his life to improving the treatment of prisoners. His work made him a lasting example of Christian compassion and service to others. About 50 years after his death, a group of Alabama Baptists named their new college in his honor.

Today, Samford University's Howard College of Arts and Sciences continues his legacy through the Howard Scholars Program. This selective program recognizes outstanding undergraduate students in their junior year who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.

Mission

Howard Scholars is a community of student leaders who serve as academic ambassadors for Howard College of Arts and Sciences. Members promote academic excellence, research and learning across disciplines. They also take part in activities that encourage intellectual growth and strengthen connections throughout the college.

Vision

To strengthen the intellectual culture of Howard College and Samford University.

Goals

• Encourage discussions across academic disciplines.
• Participate in hands-on learning experiences.
• Promote student and faculty research within Howard College.
• Engage with faculty through learning opportunities outside the classroom.
• Represent student perspectives in important campus discussions.
• Represent Howard College at the annual Davis Lecture and other academic events.

Application and Selection

Howard College students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 after three semesters will receive an invitation to apply to the Howard Scholars Program.

Approximately 20 students are selected each year. The university announces the new scholars on or near John Howard Day, Sept. 2.

Recognition and Requirements

Selected students are recognized at an introductory dinner and featured on the Howard College website.

Howard Scholars meet regularly with the dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences to support the program's goals. Students who actively participate in meetings and activities receive permanent recognition as Howard Scholars and honor cords to wear at graduation.

2025-2026 Howard Scholars

• Jenna Adams
• Gigi Canale
• Katie Sue Capron
• Ali Chackel
• Tyler Clark
• Anna Caroline Flaming
• Rachel Fuentes-Love
• Arabella Hall
• Peyton Hall
• Rilla Haverdink
• William Hold
• Ethan Howard
• Maclaine Hunt
• Luke Keffer
• Kelmy Lemus
• Addison Locke
• Jake Masaschi
• Agnes Moriarty
• Abby Morrow
• Will Murray
• Evan Olson
• Ella Patterson

Peer Mentors

• Haley Roberts
• Tyler Ruehman

Application Form

Samford's Clark Scholars Program prepares students for careers and advanced study in computational biology. This growing field combines biology, computer science, mathematics and information technology to better understand living systems.

Computational biology uses data and technology to explore biological questions and support discoveries in biology, medicine and pharmacology.

The program combines courses from several academic fields with hands-on research and personal faculty mentoring. These experiences help students prepare for careers, graduate school and professional programs such as medical school.

Required Courses

Clark Scholars may choose any major but must complete the Clark Scholars Core through Howard College of Arts and Sciences. The core includes six courses: two in biology, two in computer science and two in bioinformatics.

Students who complete the core requirements can also earn a bioinformatics minor by taking a few additional courses.

• Foundations of Biology I (BIOL 203)
• Intro to Programming (COSC 110)
• Genetics (BIOL 333)
• Principles of Bioinformatics (BIOL 306/COSC 306)
• Data Structures and Algorithms (COSC 210)
• Advanced Bioinformatics (BIOL 407/COSC 407)

*To apply for scholarships, you must have a Samford online account. If you've already started a Samford or Common App admission application, use the same login information. If you haven't started an admission application, create a new account.

Apply

The Global & Cultural Studies Scholars program supports students pursuing majors or minors focused on global engagement and cross-cultural understanding.

Through an annual scholarship, students gain opportunities to explore other cultures in the classroom and through study abroad experiences. They build knowledge of history, foreign languages and geography while developing a deeper understanding of the world.

These experiences prepare graduates to work in an increasingly connected global society. Students pursue careers in archaeology, social work, public history, ministry, education and local or international nonprofit organizations.

For more information, contact Brian Hamm.

Samford University's Ministry Fellows program prepares students for leadership and service in Christian ministry. Sponsored by the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies, the program supports students' personal, spiritual and professional growth.

Ministry Fellows participate in the following academic and ministry experiences:

• Academic requirements: Students must major or minor in Biblical Studies, Christian Religious Studies, Christian Ministry, Music and Worship, or Worship Leadership. They must declare one of these programs before their first semester.
• Ministry internships: Students must complete ministry internships during at least two semesters at Samford. One internship may take place during the summer. Internships involve regular service with a local church, church-related mission organization or nonprofit. The program maintains a job and internship board to help students find opportunities.
• Ministry Cadres: Students must participate in at least two semesters of Ministry Cadres. These gatherings support spiritual, personal and professional growth through shared ministry experiences and discussions with ministry leaders.
• Cadre participation: Ministry Cadres are offered each fall and spring semester. First-year fellows must attend the fall cadre during their first semester in the program. Cadres are led by the program director, coordinator and upper-level student peer mentors. Students receive convocation credit upon completion.
• Financial support: Each Ministry Fellow receives a $3,000 stipend, typically available during the junior or senior year. Students may request funds after meeting with the Ministry Fellows Coordinator. The stipend can help cover expenses related to ministry internships, domestic or international mission trips, or ministry conferences.

Fellows Application Timeline

• Completed Application & Recommendation Deadline: February 15
• Fellows Announced: March
• Fellows Confirmation Deadline: May 1

Apply

The Stockham Scholars program supports outstanding students who want to grow as leaders through a Christian liberal arts education. The program emphasizes academic excellence, responsible citizenship and service to others.

Stockham Scholars prepare for careers in business, law, ministry, education, public service and related fields. Students must maintain strong academic performance, participate in designated learning groups, complete an approved internship and take a capstone seminar focused on freedom, civic virtue and leadership.

Each Stockham Scholar receives a $3,000 annual scholarship for three years.

Learn More