Children’s Homes’ Marshall named Samford’s Humanitarian of the Year

Rod Marshall, president and CEO of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries, was named Humanitarian of the Year by Samford University.

The award was announced in a press release from Samford on July 23. Marshall’s award was one of four alumni awards that will be celebrated during Samford’s homecoming weekend Nov. 7-8.

Marshall earned his bachelor of arts in religion from Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences.

For the past 13 years he has served in his current role at ABCH, an organization he joined in 1995 to assist in launching a statewide counseling ministry. That grew into Pathways Professional Counseling, a crucial outreach of ABCH for which Marshall became director in 1999.

Devoted to child care, family healing

ABCH served 460 children in 2024 and aspires to grow to 1,000 children — representing around 20% of Alabama’s foster children population — by 2031. 

As a licensed professional counselor, board-certified counseling supervisor, registered play therapist, national certified counselor and a board-certified professional Christian counselor, Marshall has devoted his career focus to child care and helping families seek contentment through God’s healing.

The Humanitarian of the Year award honors Samford University graduates of true distinction, wide respect and acknowledged leadership. Nominees embody the mission of Samford University and are recognized for giving selflessly and working tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large.

To read the full article on Samford’s website, click here.