In a demonstration of solidarity, the presidents of Alabama’s three Baptist colleges gave a joint report to messengers Nov. 18 to show support for a change in the state convention’s education budget. They also collectively asked for the continued support of Alabama Baptist churches.
“It is unprecedented what you (Alabama Baptists) do to support higher education in our state,” Mark Foley, president of the University of Mobile (UM), told those present at the Tuesday morning session of the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting in Montgomery.
That “unprecedented” support includes the 20.8 percent — or a little more than $9.5 million — of the proposed 2009 state convention budget earmarked for Christian higher education. The funds allocated for education are traditionally divided among the three schools based on a complex equation that weighs enrollment and other factors.
But based on a recommendation from Samford University President Andrew Westmoreland, messengers voted to cap Samford’s allocation at its current amount, $5.3 million. The move mandates that the equation be adjusted to divide the remainder of the education budget between UM and Judson College for an indefinite period of time.
Judson President David Potts called the move a “historic moment.”
“We are grateful for such magnanimous leadership in this time,” Potts said to Westmoreland. “Thank you, my friend, for thinking about the whole picture.”
During the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions report later in the day, Westmoreland said Samford initiated the move in part because “we genuinely want to be supportive of all Alabama Baptist work.”
He noted that the next closest amount that any Baptist college receives from its state convention is $3 million, compared to Samford’s $5.3 million. With Samford receiving such a large amount of funding, “at some point, some rational person would say, ‘We need to look at this,’” Westmoreland said. “We wanted Samford to be the one who initiated that discussion.”
He was quick to note that the decision to cap the funding is not an indication of Samford moving away from its commitment to the convention.
“Surely you must know my heart on this — I am leading Samford into an even closer relationship with Alabama Baptists,” Westmoreland said to messengers’ enthusiastic applause.
The recommendation also is not an indication that Samford has all the money it needs, he explained. “But we do have resources, we do have friends and we pray they will continue to support Samford.”
At some point in time, the Education Commission and the state convention might decide to increase Samford’s allocation, but “I will not be lobbying for that,” Westmoreland said. That decision would be up to Alabama Baptists, he explained.
“Alabama Baptists have been very generous to Christian higher education, particularly Samford,” Westmoreland said.
During their report, the three college presidents also thanked messengers for their support of the schools and asked for it to continue.
“We are grateful for your support,” Foley said. “We depend upon you, your prayer, your gifts and your families coming to our institutions. … We will see this nation changed, and may it be that that change radiates from these three institutions.”
At UM, the leadership aims to prepare men and women who are confident in their faith to take roles in the workforce, Foley said.
Residence halls were filled to capacity when the fall semester began and UM is expanding its dining hall to accommodate the university’s needs and so that the summer M-Fuge camps held there can grow, according to the Book of Reports.
The school’s University Missions program also continues to grow, sending students, faculty, individuals and church groups to international missions fields.
Since 1992, the program has sent 1,266 people to 33 nations and seen more than 10,300 profess faith in Christ.
Upcoming trips are planned for a whole host of countries, ranging from New Zealand to Brazil and Mali to Greece.
UM also bestowed this year’s Shofar Award on Sherod Matheney, retired pastor of Montgomery Hill Baptist Church, Stockton, during the Alumni & Friends Breakfast held Nov. 18 at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Montgomery.
For 49 years, Matheney drove 75 miles round trip each Sunday from his home in Saraland to preach at the church — without ever receiving a salary. For this dedication, UM honored him with the award, which is presented annually by UM’s school of Christian studies to pastors for their Christian service.
Judson continues to foster an atmosphere of spiritual development as well, Potts said.
“Don’t you think there should always be places where students worship together in chapel? Places where they study the Bible as part of their graduation requirements? Places were faculty and students together are praying, reading Scripture, ministering, going abroad … and making disciples?” he asked.
In addition to focusing on encouraging faith, Judson added a soccer program this year and made improvements to the recently constructed Dunkin Athletic Park, according to the Book of Reports. It also saw alumnae honored in their vocations and accepted into graduate programs.
Potts said Judson is committed to Christ and knowledge. “Thank you for believing in what we do, for holding the rope in what we do.”
At Samford during the past year, hundreds of students participated in weekly or short-term missions and ministry projects, “making a difference in the kingdom of God,” Westmoreland said.
The university also named its business school after Birmingham banker Harry B. Brock Jr., opened the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership and launched a new doctor of nursing practice degree, according to the Book of Reports.
In addition, Samford’s Beeson Divinity School celebrated its 20th year, Westmoreland said.
“Thank you, Alabama Baptists, for all you do to support Samford and all three of these institutions,” he said.
Potts and Foley voiced agreement, with Foley adding that the world could be impacted through Alabama’s Baptist colleges.
“Three institutions … are standing together to say we have unique cultures and customs but one common purpose — to contribute to the kingdom of God and to changing this culture with our graduates,” he said.
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