By: Kate Young
On Oct. 3, the Samford University Presidential Search Committee met to discuss the next steps in determining the university’s new president.
“The 23-member search committee is composed of Samford trustees, faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Michael D. Morgan, Secretary of the committee said.
At the meeting, Morgan said the committee reviewed the responses on the recent survey that was sent out to all students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“The results of the Presidential Assessment Survey were reviewed giving special
attention to comments from faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Morgan said. “Officials with the Alabama Baptist State Convention were also interviewed.”
The Alabama Baptist Convention is an organization that assists in the funding of various missions, including Christian education. They were responsible for founding Samford University in 1841 when it was Howard College, an all white male school.
“Responses were received from more than 1,900 individuals,” Morgan said.
As the search continues, the committee has reached out to faculty and other experts.
“The committee contacted members of the Samford faculty seeking nominations; nominations have also been solicited from more than 600 national leaders in higher education,” Morgan said. “The position is being advertised in several national publications.”
Morgan mentioned the need for diverse consideration during a tumultuous national temperament.
“The committee has started to receive nominations and applications from a diverse
group of individuals from all regions of the United States,” Morgan said. “Each nominee is contacted with an invitation to allow the committee to consider them as candidates for the position.”
The committee is currently accepting nominations and applications throughout the coming weeks.
“Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination to the committee by email at: presidentialsearch@samford.edu,” Morgan said.
