Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education is renowned for its commitment to character education, producing top graduates who are equipped for their careers and prepared to be leaders in their communities.
This mission extends beyond classroom instruction. It is woven into the school’s culture through the collective efforts of faculty, staff and students. One of the strongest examples of this commitment is Areté, a unique committee established in 2020 that provides structure and shared leadership for the school’s character education initiatives. The name Areté is derived from ancient Greek and means excellence, particularly moral excellence.
“Areté volunteers from our faculty and staff meet regularly to accomplish a variety of tasks,” said Kara Chism, character leader in residence for the school of education. “Tasks like identifying our core values, creating and assessing annual action plans, planning schoolwide service projects, selecting books for our book studies, conducting curriculum audits and much more.”
Samford University’s 2025 ranking by The Wall Street Journal affirms the university’s longstanding dedication to character education. The Orlean Beeson School of Education plays a pivotal role in achieving this recognition, consistently producing graduates who embody the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and humility through acts of service and character-informed leadership.
This emphasis has been transformative for students like Thomas Vaccaro, a sophomore majoring in secondary education and social studies.
“Character education and personal growth are essential, particularly for young people, because we are the future leaders, educators and role models of society,” Vaccaro said. “The values we cultivate now will shape the way we influence others and contribute to our communities. We have a significant responsibility to uphold and pass down lessons of integrity, empathy and resilience to the next generation. By prioritizing character development, we ensure that we are not only academically prepared but also morally equipped to make a positive impact on the world.”
Vaccaro is among the first undergraduate students to participate in Areté. This year, the committee welcomed undergraduate and alumni members, embracing a commitment to engage all stakeholders in its mission to develop communities of character in which Samford graduates seek to live a life that counts for good.
“We realized Areté did not initially represent our students as we made decisions and created ways to infuse character into our work, so we invited undergraduate students and graduate student alums to be a part of the team,” Chism said. “Since then, the group’s ideas have strengthened, and implementation focuses more on meeting students’ needs. Everything we are implementing is significantly better with the input of a broader group of stakeholders.”
With undergraduate students now serving alongside professors and administrators, the school of education has expanded its intentional mentorship opportunities to develop strength of character. The decision allows students to see a collaborative model they can apply in the field and to future careers. Most importantly, it demonstrates how deeply faculty care for their students.
“One of the most significant takeaways from my participation in Areté is witnessing the deep commitment and genuine care that every administrator has for their students. It is truly inspiring to see how dedicated they are to equipping us with the skills, knowledge and ethical foundation necessary for success in the field of education,” Vaccaro said. “Their passion for student growth has reinforced my appreciation for mentorship and has motivated me to carry these lessons forward in my own journey.”
Students interested in joining Areté should contact Kara Chism.
As Areté continues to grow, its influence extends beyond book studies and service projects—it is shaping the next generation of students who are competent in their field and committed to character. By fostering meaningful mentorship and collaborative opportunities, Areté initiatives ensure that students are prepared for their careers and equipped to make a lasting difference in their local communities and worldwide.
