Samford University
Former name | Howard College (1841–1965) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Deo Doctrinae Aeternitati (Latin) "For God, For Learning, Forever" (prior to 2001) Deo et Doctrinae |
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1841 |
| Accreditation | SACS |
Religious affiliation | Christian |
| Endowment | $539.7 million (2024) |
| President | Beck A. Taylor |
Academic staff | 450 (full-time teaching faculty) |
| Students | 6,324 (fall 2025) |
| Undergraduates | 4,370 (fall 2025) |
| Postgraduates | 1,954 (fall 2025) |
| Location | , United States 33°27′54″N 86°47′37″W / 33.4649°N 86.7937°W |
| Campus | Large suburb, 247 acres (100 ha) |
| Newspaper | The Samford Crimson |
| Colors | Blue and red |
| Nickname | Bulldogs |
Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division I FCS – SoCon |
| Mascot | Sam |
| Website | samford |
Samford University is a private Christian university in Homewood, Alabama, United States. Homewood is an inner-suburb of Birmingham. Samford was founded by Baptists in 1841 as Howard College and located until 1887 in Marion, Alabama. It is governed by an independent board of trustees, which requires board members to be Baptists.
In fall 2025, the university enrolled 6,324 students from 44 states, 1 U.S. territory, and 16 other countries, marking the 17th consecutive record-setting year for enrollment.