New president Westmoreland ready for first fall semester, new students

Samford University was an especially busy place during the summer as workers hustled to make progress on several major construction projects before the arrival of students in late August for the 2006–2007 academic year.
  
The summer also brought the arrival of Andrew Westmoreland, who became Samford’s 18th president June 1. The veteran college administrator looks forward to addressing students and faculty at the fall semester’s opening convocation Aug. 29. “The most exciting time on any university campus occurs each fall with the beginning of classes,” Westmoreland said. “I know that our students at Samford will be favorably impressed with the progress that has been made throughout the summer with many of our facilities. I am also certain that they will be thrilled to see their classmates and mentors, and to renew those important relationships.” 
   
Westmoreland comes to Samford after eight years as president of his undergraduate alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. He was also on the school’s administrative staff in various capacities for more than 19 years.
   
“I’ve joked in recent weeks that I have spent the last 49 years of my life assuming that Arkansas was the center of the universe, only to find that my compass was off by about 400 miles,” the native Arkansan said in July after he and his wife, Jeanna Westmoreland, and teenage daughter, Riley, had settled into their new home. 
   
“We have been overwhelmed since June 1 by the kindness of the Samford family and by Alabama Baptists. My wife and daughter join me in expressing our gratitude for the many prayers that have been voiced on our behalf,” Westmoreland said.
   
Freshman students are arriving Aug. 24 to begin several days of final orientation. During “Connections,” they will engage in faculty-student discussions designed by Jonathan Bass, editor of the compilation “Journey to Birmingham: Race, Christianity and Community in the Magic City.” The work highlights the evangelical impetus of the civil rights movement and “will challenge Samford students to put their own faith into action as they become part of the Birmingham community,” said Dana K. Basinger, director of freshman life. 
   
The Connections program also includes a new Life Comes at You Fast event to help students learn the value of setting goals. While experiencing a semester simulation lasting 20 minutes, each student will set a point value goal in four areas: academic, spiritual, social and physical. When the “semester” is over, students will reset their goals with a new understanding of how to reasonably set and evaluate them. A second simulation and small group discussions will complete the exercise.
   
The class of 2010 will participate in a special ceremony Aug. 27, the same day that upperclassmen return. Classes begin Aug. 28.
   
New and returning students will be struck by the beauty of the new Jane Hollock Brock Recital Hall, located adjacent to Wright Fine Arts Center. The 32,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for occupancy in late August. The first performances will be presented this fall, with a dedication ceremony Oct. 3.
   
Refurbishment of the northern portion of Wright Center will be complete with a new name, Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Hall. Students in the hall’s classrooms will notice a fresh appearance and improved function, as will patrons of performances in Harrison Theatre and the existing recital hall. Dedication is set for Oct. 14.
Upperclassmen who live in the Beeson Woods and West Campus residence halls will appreciate a big difference when they return on move-in day. A $1.3 million refurbishing includes new furniture to replace 20-year-old pieces. The stack-type furniture will allow for individualized placement of storage space, work station and bed. New floor coverings and paint are scheduled for summer 2007.
   
Construction will still be underway in early fall for the multipurpose Pete Hanna Arena, the tennis complex — with six outdoor and three indoor courts — and heating plants and piping infrastructure. The latter will mean increased capacity and greater energy efficiency for central campus buildings. By semester’s end, work is expected to begin on 600 or more new parking spaces in the north campus sector.
   
Students, faculty and staff also have a new place to grab a cup of java in the O’Henry’s Coffee Shop in Beeson University Center. The store is the first college campus site for the business, founded by Christian entrepreneur Henry Bright. The Samford shop will offer brewed coffees, espresso beverages, frozen drinks and fresh-baked goods.
   
Twenty-one new faculty members will begin Samford classroom duties this fall. Three academic areas will have new deans: McWhorter School of Pharmacy welcomes Dean Bobby G. Bryant; School of Performing Arts welcomes Dean Joseph Hopkins and Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies welcomes Dean Jeanie Box. Box, longtime teacher education chair, most recently served as acting dean.
   
Matt Kerlin will begin his first full semester as University Minister. 
   
In June, president Westmoreland announced additional responsibilities for some current administrators.
   
J. Bradley Creed, Samford’s provost since 2002, has the added title of executive vice president. Creed will have more direct involvement with day-to-day operations, in addition to serving as chief academic officer.
   
Sarah C. Latham, director of institutional research since 2002, is assistant to the president. Latham will oversee research and planning initiatives for the university and assist Westmoreland with management of the president’s office.
   
Samford football kicks off Aug. 31 in Seibert Stadium with a 7 p.m. home opener against Miles College. The Bulldogs are predicted to finish fourth in the preseason Ohio Valley Conference poll.
   
The future also looks bright for Samford’s other fall sports of soccer, volleyball and cross-country track.
Alumni are encouraged to put homecoming weekend, Oct. 19–22, on their calendars. The celebration will highlight the 50th anniversary of Samford’s move from its home in the East Lake area of Birmingham. 
   
Other significant dates to note are Family Weekend, Sept. 22–24, and Presidential Inauguration events in early November. Westmoreland will be inaugurated in a 10 a.m. ceremony in Wright Center Nov. 2. (SU)