Two Samford professors honored for outstanding work

Two Samford University faculty members were cited for outstanding accomplishments as educators at the opening convocation of the spring semester Jan. 25.

Brock School of Business professor Steven T. Jones, a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, received the George Macon Memorial Award for his outstanding performance as a teacher, counselor, friend to students and one who inspires students to greatness.

English professor Nancy Whitt received the Jennings B. Marshall Service Award as a faculty member who has made significant and sustained service contributions to the university.

The awards were presented by Samford provost and executive vice president J. Bradley Creed.

Jones, said Creed, is a “teacher’s teacher,” who seeks to help each of his students achieve full potential. “He always goes the extra mile and works tirelessly with students outside of class, both in his office and at optional help sessions,” Creed said. “It is no surprise that student surveys reveal a nearly universally positive student assessment of his teaching, giving him impressively high ratings.”

Jones, who holds a doctorate in finance from the University of Cincinnati, joined the Samford faculty in 2001. Active in university and professional communities, he advises student groups and mentors new faculty members. He is president-elect of the international Academy of Economics and Finance.

Whitt was cited for her longtime leadership of the Samford faculty senate and her role in critical changes ranging from core curriculum to faculty welfare. Creed noted that Whitt, who joined the Samford faculty in 1973, always has sought the betterment of the university as a place where academic and spiritual values find their full expression.

A longtime proponent of an increased diversity of students, faculty, staff and curriculum at Samford, Whitt is known “for reaching across cultures, race and religion in her quest to make Samford a better place,” Creed said. She holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama.