Samford University students will be welcomed warmly when they arrive for the 2009–10 academic year.
“The members of our faculty and staff are eager to see the campus return to life,” said Samford President Andrew Westmoreland.
“Our summer has been busy with hosting several thousand visitors to Samford, including many high school students who attended M-Fuge and other Baptist-related events. We are making good use of these final days before the fall term to ready the campus for a new academic year.”
Enrollment numbers are strong, with about 4,500 students expected in the fall, Westmoreland said.
“Members of the entering class appear to be among the best prepared students in our history, and our employees are recommitting themselves to fulfilling our mission for a new generation.
“We remain grateful to Alabama Baptists for this enduring and exciting partnership.”
Samford expects 740 freshmen and about 125 transfer students this fall. The new students include 10 Beeson Scholars and 12 National Merit Finalists. Classes begin Aug. 24. This fall, students will have an additional resource to enable them to make the most of their college experience.
The new Academic Success Center features an enhanced orientation process, a success mentoring program and foundations courses to help with the first-year transition to college.
New academic programs include some interesting additions that may afford students an extra edge in the job market.
These include a five-year program that combines the master of accountancy degree with a bachelor’s in accounting, a minor in social entrepreneurship for non-business majors, a bachelor in fine arts for musical theatre majors, a sport administration major and an accelerated second degree in nursing that will allow a person with a prior degree to complete a bachelor’s in nursing in 15 months.
New administrators on campus include Mike Coppage, who was named director of public safety and emergency management in July.
Coppage, former Birmingham chief of police and Alabama director of public safety, will head a Samford department that is responsible for campus security, 24-hour emergency response, law enforcement and investigative service, nighttime campus access control and security patrols.
Freshmen and other new students will enjoy a series of special activities in August.
Events include an ice cream social hosted by president and Mrs. Westmoreland at their new home, which overlooks the campus from its site on Shades Mountain.
The family moved into the 60-year-old residence in May after it underwent extensive renovations.
On campus, Samford athletics will enjoy a brand new 39,400-square-foot facility, the Cooney Family Field House.
The football program expects to move into the new building before the start of practice.
The Samford Bulldogs kick off the home season against Jacksonville University (Florida) on Sept. 12. The Sept. 5 season opener is against University of Central Florida in Orlando. (SU)
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