Smith named Beeson’s 2011 Alumnus of the Year

David Smith, student minister at South Hamilton Baptist Church, was awarded the 2011 master’s degree Alumnus of the Year by Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham on Jan. 25.

Smith, who has served as the chaplain at the Hamilton Aged and Infirmed Correctional Facility in Hamilton since 2007, was cited for his work with Beeson’s extension division to offer faith-based classes at the prison. Through the extension division, Smith has offered courses in Biblical Introduction, Christian Doctrine, the Life of Christ and the Life and Letters of Paul. About 25 inmates are enrolled in the program.

“He is a God-called servant who serves as a teacher, preacher and minister. We are proud to call him a graduate of Beeson Divinity School,” said Beeson extension division director Jim Pounds in presenting Smith the award during Beeson’s opening convocation of the spring semester.

Smith earned a master of divinity degree from Beeson in 2004 and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Samford in 2001. He and his wife, Heather, have two children.