From the President Left to right: Chloe Taylor, President Beck A. Taylor, First Lady Julie Taylor and Zach Taylor (Lauren Taylor was unable to attend in person, but tuned in virtually and was there in spirit)
Rooted and Grounded in Love Samford has an understandable love affair with trees. From the story of Sherman Oak to the beautiful trees that adorn our campus, and Dr. Westmoreland’s reminder that we all enjoy the shade of trees we did not plant, Samford’s institutional narrative would make any arborist proud. So, when I was asked to name a theme for my inaugural ceremony, indeed for my presidency, my mind went immediately to the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to us found in Ephesians 3 to be “rooted and grounded in love.” What does it mean to be a university, a people, who are rooted and grounded in love? That is the question we should explore as we set our sights on a new and exciting vision for Samford University. The answers to that question will animate our forthcoming plans for academic excellence, for cocurricular life, and for the many ways our students develop their intellect, creativity, faith, and personhood. How we love others should influence the many ways Samford’s students and employees serve the communities we call home. Our love for mind, body, and soul should guide us as we articulate a vision for vocational preparation, for student wellness, and for how all of us grow closer to Jesus. Love should even shape the ways we envision what excellence looks like for our Bulldog athletics programs. In other words, love—the love we have for God and for others—should influence all we do at Samford. By God’s grace, it will. I look forward to casting an exciting vision for Samford’s future, one rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. In the Samford spirit,
Beck A. Taylor, Ph.D. President
2 • Seasons • Fall 2021
