John Howard, born Sept. 2, 1726, made it his life’s work to bring public attention to the shameful treatment of prisoners. Howard is now widely recognized as a model of Christian compassion for society’s outcasts. Half a century after his death, a group of Alabama Baptists named their new college in honor of this great humanitarian. Adding further honor to the name, Samford University's Howard College of Arts and Sciences created the Howard Scholars, a select group of junior undergraduates chosen from among the finest in the college.

Mission

Howard Scholars is a community of demonstrated intellectual leaders who serve as academic ambassadors to Howard College of Arts and Sciences. Dedicated to scholarly excellence in a liberal arts environment, members participate in various activities that promote research and interdisciplinary engagement both within the group and throughout the college.

Vision

To enrich the intellectual culture of our college and university as a whole.

Goals

• Initiate and promote interdisciplinary conversations.
• Participate in experiential learning activities.
• Promote and highlight student and faculty research within Howard College.
• Engage in learning opportunities with faculty outside the classroom.
• Give a student voice to important campus discussions.
• Represent Howard College at the annual Davis Lecture and other academically oriented events.

Application and Selection

All Howard College majors who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 after three semesters will be sent an invitation to apply for inclusion in the Howard Scholars Program. Approximately twenty students will be selected to participate and a formal announcement of those selected will be made to the university on or near John Howard Day (September 2) each year.

Recognition and Requirements

Students who are selected for the Howard Scholars Program will be recognized at an introductory dinner and will also be recognized on the Howard College website.

Howard Scholars will meet regularly with the Dean of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences to work toward accomplishing the stated goals. Students engaged in group activities and participating regularly will be named permanently as Howard Scholars and be given 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

The Clark Scholars Program at Samford University prepares students for a career in an exciting new area of research at the nexus of biology and computational science. Computational biology unites the fields of biology, computer science, mathematics, and information technology. The ultimate goal of this emerging discipline is the discovery of new biological insights and create a global perspective from which to discover unifying principles in biology, pharmacology, and medicine.

The Program combines interdisciplinary classes with research experiences and personal mentoring, enhances employment opportunities, and provides significant advantages for those considering graduate school or professional training such as medical school.

Required Courses

Scholars may choose any major but must take the Clark Scholars Core through the Howard College of Arts and Sciences. The core includes two courses in each of the following areas: biology, computer science, and bioinformatics. Clark Scholars who successfully complete the academic requirements are also on track to receive a bioinformatics minor, with the completion of 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 an online Samford account. If you've started your Samford/Common App admission application, you can apply for scholarships using the same login information. If you haven't started an admission application, please log in as a new user.

Apply

The Global & Cultural Studies Scholars program supports majors and minors pursuing global engagement and cross-cultural understanding. With an annual scholarship, the program supports students as they not only learn how to explore the complexities of other cultures in the classroom but also gain firsthand experience living and studying abroad. Through this variety of experiences, Global and Cultural Studies Scholars gain a thorough background in history, foreign languages, and geography. They graduate equipped to succeed in a world of global interdependence. Our students go on to pursue careers in a range of fields, including archaeology, social work, public history, vocational ministry, education, and employment with local and international non-profits. For more information, contact Brian Hamm.

Samford University's Ministry Fellows program exists to equip young ministers for personal, spiritual, and professional excellence in ministry leadership. Sponsored by the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies, participants in the Ministry Fellows Program can anticipate the following requirements and benefits:

• Ministry Fellows students will major or minor in either Biblical Studies, Christian Religious Studies, Christian Ministry, Music and Worship, or Worship Leadership. You are committing to one of these majors or minors and will register as one of these prior to your first semester of classes.
• Ministry Fellows students will register for and undertake ministry internships for at least 2 of their semesters at Samford (one internship can be during the summer). Each internship will involve regular hours of service in a local church, local church-related mission organization, or non-profit. The Ministry Fellows Program regularly maintains a job and internship board to help place students with ministry opportunities.
• Students will participate in at least 2 semesters of Ministry Cadres. These Cadres serve to supplement classroom and field experiences by providing communal, vocational, and spiritual growth through scheduled gatherings. Students share ministry experiences, and specialists address critical issues of church-related ministry.
• Ministry Cadres are offered each fall and spring semester. First-year Ministry Fellows are required to attend the fall cadre of their first semester in the program. These cadres are led by the Director and Coordinator of the Ministry Fellows Program and upper-classmen students who serve as Peer Mentors. Convocation credits are awarded upon completion of a Ministry Cadre.
• As a member of the Ministry Fellows Program, you will be awarded a $3,000 stipend, typically accessed in your junior or senior year. Stipend funds are available upon request and after a meeting with the Ministry Fellows Coordinator. Stipend funds are typically used for supplemental income during a ministry internship, funding for a domestic or international mission trip, or to cover the cost of attending a ministry-related conference.

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 desiring to study in the Christian liberal arts tradition for the purpose of cultivating leadership and responsible citizenship. Student career goals include pursuits in business, law, ministry, education, and public service. Stockham scholars must maintain academic excellence, participate in designated cadres, complete an approved internship, and complete a capstone seminar on freedom, civic virtue, and leadership. Each Stockham Scholar receives a $3,000 scholarship per year for three years. Learn More