Employing digital imaging to enhance a 19th century photograph, Samford unveiled a new portrait of Samuel Sterling Sherman, the university’s founding president.
Sherman’s portrait will be displayed amid the Davis Library collection.
The image is based upon a photograph taken during Sherman’s term as president from 1842-1852 when the school began as Howard College in Marion, Alabama.
Beck A. Taylor, Samford’s current president since 2021, chuckled at the dire circumstances confronting the 27-year-old Sherman when he arrived in Marion, leaving behind a professorship at the University of Alabama.
“Sherman accepted the presidency of Howard despite the University of Alabama's president warning that the Baptists wouldn't be able to sustain their new school. Well, look at us now,” Taylor said. “This was an act of great faith because when Howard College opened, it consisted of a single wooden building and had no students, no faculty, and minimal resources."
By the end of Howard’s first year of operation, the college had 31 students. For most of that year, Sherman was the college's only professor, and the combined revenue from tuition was not enough to pay his room and board. Sherman reportedly had to push a wheelbarrow door to door in Marion begging for books to create a library for the college.
“President Sherman, thank you,” Taylor said. “After 185 years, we continue to give thanks for your legacy of service.”
Taylor was joined in the unveiling by SGA president Caleb John and Samford University Alumni Association president Wendy Feild.
In closing, Taylor offered a prayer: “Creator God, we gather today with thankful hearts for the lives of servants that you call and put to lead across so many generations. And today, we have the opportunity and the privilege and the blessing to remember Samuel Sterling Sherman and his example of scholarship and service. As we look upon his youthful face, may we be reminded of his courage to follow your call to hard places. His stewardship of your daily blessings inspires us now each day.”
