Samford University Howard College of Arts and Sciences

05/29/2026

The Howard College of Arts and Sciences joins many in reflecting on the life and legacy of Clarence B. Jones, trusted attorney, advisor and speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who passed away at age 95.

Jones played a pivotal role in preserving and shaping some of the most important documents of the Civil Rights Movement, including helping smuggle out portions of King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and contributing to the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

In a recent AL.com article, Samford history professor Dr. Jonathan Bass, an expert on the Civil Rights Movement and author of "Blessed Are the Peacemakers," shared insights on Jones' influence and lasting impact.

https://www.al.com/news/2026/05/mlk-lawyer-who-smuggled-out-letter-from-birmingham-jail-dies-at-95.html

The attorney for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. played key role in 1963 ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’

05/28/2026

“Leadership rooted in service.” 👏

From serving as SGA president to advocating for justice through ministry, research and civic engagement, Caleb John ’26 leaves Samford with a legacy of faith-filled leadership and a commitment to making a difference far beyond campus.

Congratulations to this Howard College graduate as he begins his next chapter in law, ministry and public service. 💙

For Caleb John ’26, leadership has always been rooted in service. During his time at Samford University, John became known as a thoughtful advocate, campus leader and student deeply committed to justice, faith and civic engagement.

05/22/2026

Computer Science student Daniel Abbott is using AI to fight cryptocurrency scams and protect potential victims from online fraud. Through his work with the nonprofit Intelligence for Good, Abbott developed a fully autonomous system that identifies scam websites, extracts malicious cryptocurrency wallet addresses and reports them to law enforcement agencies and crypto exchanges.

His innovative work highlights the hands-on learning opportunities and real-world impact Samford students are making through Howard College of Arts and Sciences.

Full story here: https://www.samford.edu/arts-and-sciences/news/2026/Samford-Student-Uses-AI-to-Combat-Growing-Online-Crypto-Scams

05/21/2026

From Birmingham to Rome 🇮🇹✨

More than 90 Samford students and faculty gathered in Rome this week for a special evening of fellowship and celebration during their study abroad experiences. Students from the Eternal Rome and Sacred Art in Italy courses joined University Fellows beginning their Italian adventures for a shared dinner in the heart of the Eternal City.

Special thanks to Doug Clapp, chair of philosophy and classics in Howard College, for organizing this memorable gathering and creating space for connection across programs.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Molly Lockart, assistant professor in Samford's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, on receiving a prestigious $25,000 NetVUE Grant for Vocational Exploration from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)!

The award supports faculty scholarship and pedagogy focused on vocation in undergraduate education and is funded through Lilly Endowment Inc. Dr. Lockart’s project was selected among proposals from NetVUE member institutions nationwide.

We are proud to see Howard College faculty continuing to lead meaningful work that connects academic excellence, purpose and calling. 👏🧪💙

05/19/2026

Big congratulations to Howard College alumni Jessica Smith ’23 and Tristan Mullen ’21 on graduating from the University of Notre Dame Law School! 🎓

Both were active members of Samford’s History Department and have continued to distinguish themselves through their academic excellence and leadership. Their achievements reflect the strong foundation built at Samford and the many paths a history degree can open.

05/18/2026

Samford students are serving across disciplines and across borders in Costa Rica. 🇨🇷

For the first time, undergraduate nursing and Spanish students are partnering alongside graduate physician assistant students during a study abroad experience focused on community health clinics. Together, they are serving churches, schools, immigration sites and Salvation Army locations while learning through hands-on collaboration and care.

Spanish students are providing interpretation support for medical teams, creating a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary learning in action.

We’re proud to see Howard College students using their knowledge and skills to serve others around the world. 💙

05/18/2026

HCAS student Mason Currier is proving that slowing down and paying attention can change everything. 🐦🌎

The freshman environmental science major recently set Alabama’s record for the most bird species observed in a single year, spotting 357 species across the state in 2025. But beyond the record, Mason’s story is one of curiosity, stewardship and finding clarity through the natural world.

From discovering his first Eastern Bluebird at age 11 to thriving in Samford’s close-knit community, Mason is using his passion for conservation to make an impact both in and outside the classroom.

Follow Mason Currier's journey from a curious 11-year-old to the record holder for bird species observed in Alabama.

05/15/2026

No matter where you’re from, there’s a place to grow at Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences 🌍

With 13 academic departments and more than 40 majors and concentrations, HCAS equips students to think critically, lead thoughtfully and discover their calling in a rapidly changing world.

Learn more here: Samford.edu/Arts-and-Sciences

05/11/2026

Howard College of Arts and Sciences alumnus Charlie Stokes ’23 is being recognized for extraordinary courage and selfless service.

A December 2023 graduate with a degree in communications, Stokes was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for Courage after rescuing a woman from a burning home while off duty in Clearwater, Florida. After noticing smoke coming from a house in his neighborhood, Stokes called 911 and helped safely remove the resident from the home as flames rapidly spread.

We are proud to celebrate Charlie’s bravery, leadership and commitment to serving others.