By: Belle Kelly
The hot plate is a revolutionary discovery made by Samford students in past years. Located on the Quad in front of Buchanan Hall, the metal plate, measuring 6 feet 2 inches on each side, rests on the ground amongst the grass. Students pass this metal plate daily, but only some know its capabilities.
Enduring all seasons and temperatures, the hot plate remains warm to the touch, making it a popular place to spend time on the quad, especially in cooler weather. Mallory Hubbard, a junior and technical theater major, has spent much time on the hot plate since she first discovered it with her friends during her freshman year.
“The hot plate is just a little warm place to sit outside our theater building. I feel like I spend most of my time in the theater building, so this is kind of like a theater building adjacent. I’m close to my studies, but also outside and in nature,” said Hubbard.
Not only does the hot plate provide a reason to get outside, but it also serves as an opportunity to socialize. Hubbard’s fellow technical theater major Alyssa Douglas, a senior, uses it for just this.
“You can people watch, and everyone’s coming from all different directions, so you can say ‘hi’ to people. It’s not as chaotic as Ben Brown, but you can still interact with people,” said Douglas.
Anna Solarin, junior and theater for youth major, says that theater students go outside after class to socialize near the hot plate, which she particularly enjoys.
“They come out here and play football around it. They’ll come out here around like 4:45 and just play for 15 or 20 minutes, and we’ll just sit on the hot plate, watch and have a good time,” said Solarin.
For many students like Hubbard, Douglas and Solarin, the hot plate is simply a warm and inviting spot on campus — but what makes it so special? Curious about its unique warmth, students have wondered about the science behind it.
Jeff Poleshek, Assistant Vice President for Operations, Planning and Construction, explains what’s happening beneath the surface.
“That metal box houses all the valves and piping that come from Boiler Plant 2. That plant provides hot water and heat for that part of campus,” said Poleshek.
The hot plate is more than just a physically warm spot on campus — it also brings social warmth. While its heat comes from the boiler system beneath, the true warmth of the hot plate comes from the students who gather around it, making it a beloved part of their Samford experience.
As Hubbard says, “The hot plate is my ‘why Samford.’ It’s a gem on campus that’s unspoken of.”
