Tim Hall recently announced he’s stepping down as Dean of Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences, a transition that will go into effect after the end of the 2022-23 school year.
Hall has been the Dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences since 2016. He remarked that he has loved the past seven years at Samford.
“I’ve had a wonderful experience. I’ve enjoyed my experience [at Samford] tremendously. I love the campus, I love the people I work with, I love the faculty, I love the department chairs,” said Hall.
Hall began his career as a professor teaching history, but he had always planned to work in an administrative role.
“I started my career as a professor of history; that is how I always saw myself. The administrative role is something I knew I would do before returning to the classroom. This has been my plan all along,” said Hall.
Hall’s next step is entering into a sabbatical in the fall of 2023, which will give him the tools he needs to return to teaching history at the collegiate level.
“I’ll need that [sabbatical] so I can get ready to get back into the classroom and teach. I’ll teach for a couple of years before retiring,” said Hall.
Hall has only praise and admiration for his time here at Samford.
“In terms of my experience to be able to live out my faith in my job, I feel that I have been able to do that well,” said Hall.
What initially drew Hall to Samford was Samford’s unique role in encouraging students and faculty to live and walk in their faith. Hall said he “always thought” he would like to work “at a university where my faith could be part of my work.”
Hall’s faith has always been an important aspect of his teaching, and Samford has allowed him to embrace it.
“I can openly express my faith in any setting and encourage others in their faith,” said Hall.
Hall and his wife, as well as fellow staff and faculty, always pray for Samford.
“I pray daily for Samford. My wife and other faculty administrator‘s’ wives also get together and pray for Samford. I know that their prayers aren’t often talked about, but they’re very important,” said Hall. “My wife and I go on walks, and we will be praying. We always include Samford when we pray.”
Hall has consistently supported his staff and faculty.
“I make sure that my faculty have the resources they need to teach and research. It is my responsibility to advocate for the administration and the programs that we [Howard College of Arts and Sciences] have,” said Hall.
Hall said he cherishes Samford’s traditions and the many memories he has made during his time here, which he is excited to continue when he returns after his sabbatical.
“I love going to the hanging of the greens and listening to the a cappella choir. It is so beautiful, and it is a memory that I always carry with me,” said Hall.
Hall has made many contributions to the Howard College of Arts and Sciences, and he will be missed as Dean.
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